In this vocabulary lesson, you will learn 9 English idioms and expressions related to speed.
In the blink of an eye
![eye](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/eye-1173863_640-400x285.jpg)
Meaning: When something happens “in the blink of an eye“, it happens very quickly. Something happens so quickly that you don’t see it!
![house on fire](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/house-fire-400x266.jpg)
The fire destroyed the house in the blink of an eye.
He became a millionaire in the blink of an eye.
at breakneck speed
Meaning: very fast. Faster than normal
![driving fast](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/driving-fast.jpg)
He was driving at breakneck speed before the accident.
Scientists developed the COVID vaccine at breakneck speed.
drag your heels
![feet](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bare-feet.jpg)
“heel” is part of your foot. It is at the back and bottom of the foot.
Form: drag your heels on something
Meaning: do something slowly because you don’t want to do it
![lazy man on couch](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lazy-man-couch-400x336.jpg)
Mark is dragging his heels on looking for a job.
John is dragging his heels on cleaning the house.
A similar idiom is “drag your feet“. The meaning and form is exactly the same as “drag your heels“.
at the drop of a hat
Meaning: Do something immediately without stopping to think about it.
![Angry boss](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/angry-boss-400x258.jpg)
The manager is very strict. He will fire you at the drop of a hat!
Soldiers must be ready to defend their country at the drop of a hat.
fast track something
Meaning: Make it easier for something to happen. Make it easier for someone to achieve something more quickly than usual.
![approved visa application](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/visa-approved-400x266.jpg)
The American embassy fast tracked my visa application.
The government fast tracked financial assistance after the earthquake.
full steam ahead
Meaning: Do something quickly with lots of energy and enthusiasm. If a project is “full steam ahead“, nothing is going to stop the project because we are very motivated for the project to advance.
![construction site](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/construction-site-400x293.jpg)
It’s full steam ahead for the construction of a new block of flats.
Prime Minister: It’s full steam ahead for the fight against crime.
get your skates on
![ice skates](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ice-skates.jpg)
Meaning: Hurry up !
![businessman running](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/businessman-running-369x400.jpg)
The train is going to leave. Get your skates on!
You’re late. Get your skates on!
A similar idiom is “put your skates on“. The meaning and form is exactly the same as “get your skates on“.
have a quick temper
Meaning: A person who becomes angry very easily.
![Angry boss](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/angry-boss-400x258.jpg)
Jane’s boss has a quick temper.
David divorced Clare because she has a quick temper.
“speed away” and “speed off”
Meaning: Leave somewhere very quickly in a vehicle.
Past form and past participle of “speed” is “sped“.
![motorcycle](https://www.crownacademyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/motorcycle-317x400.jpg)
He sped away from the accident on a motorcycle.
He sped off from the accident on a motorcycle.
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