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nineteen to the dozen
2-
(as) slow as a snail
3-
(as) slow as molasses
4-
by leaps and bounds
5-
fast and furious
6-
at lightning speed
7-
like greased lightning
8-
like a bat out of hell
9-
like the wind
10-
pedal to the metal
11-
to run like the wind
12-
touch and go
13-
like a rat up a drainpipe
14-
hell for leather
nineteen to the dozen
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/naɪntˈiːn tˈɛn tə ðə dˈʌzən/
ZinsdeelIdiom

in a rapid and nonstop way

example
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The children were running around and playing nineteen to the dozen in the park.
During the holiday shopping season, customers were buying gifts ten to the dozen.
The factory workers were producing widgets nineteen to the dozen to meet the demand.
What is the origin of the idiom "to the dozen" and when to use it?

The idiom "to the dozen" means at a rate or in a quantity of twelve. The number twelve has historically been used as a standard measure in various contexts, such as dozens of eggs or dozens of items. When "nineteen" or "ten" is added before it, it emphasizes a quantity far exceeding the standard dozen, suggesting an exceptionally high or rapid rate or quantity. This expression is used to describe a situation where something is happening at a very rapid or high rate, often implying that it is difficult to keep up with or control.

(nineteen|ten) to the dozen
(as) slow as a snail
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/æz slˈoʊ æz ɐ snˈeɪl/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

extremely low in speed

example
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Her progress in learning the language is slow as a snail, but she's determined to improve.
The traffic was moving slow as a snail during the rush hour.
The construction project is progressing slow as a snail due to various delays.
What is the origin of the idiom "slow as a snail" and when to use it?

The idiom "slow as a snail" is a simile that has been in use for centuries. It is a straightforward comparison, likening the speed of something to that of a snail. Snails are known for their leisurely and deliberate pace, which makes them a common point of reference when describing something or someone that moves very slowly. This expression is used to describe a situation, action, or person that moves at an exceptionally slow or sluggish pace. It emphasizes a lack of speed or efficiency.

(as|) slow as a snail
(as) slow as molasses
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/æz slˈoʊ æz məlˈæsᵻz/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

very low in speed

example
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Progress on the construction site is as slow as molasses because of the bad weather.
The traffic on the highway was moving as slow as molasses due to the accident.
Progress on the construction site is as slow as molasses because of the bad weather.
What is the origin of the idiom "slow as molasses" and when to use it?

The idiom "slow as molasses" originates from the fact that molasses, a thick and viscous syrup obtained from the processing of sugarcane or sugar beets, has a very slow and deliberate flow. The comparison to molasses emphasizes something that moves at an extremely sluggish or slow pace. This expression is used to describe a situation, action, or person that moves at an exceptionally slow or glacial pace. It underscores a significant lack of speed or efficiency.

(as|) slow as molasses
by leaps and bounds
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/baɪ ɪn lˈiːps ænd bˈaʊndz/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

with very high speed

example
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Since starting the new exercise routine, her fitness level has improved by leaps and bounds.
The young athlete's skills on the field have been developing in leaps and bounds.
The company's profits have been increasing in leaps and bounds over the past year.
What is the origin of the idiom "by leaps and bounds" and when to use it?

The idiom "by leaps and bounds" has its origins in the world of sports, particularly in athletic events like long jump or high jump. A "leap" refers to a long jump or a sudden burst of movement, while "bounds" refers to energetic and rapid movements. This expression is used to describe significant and rapid progress, growth, or improvement in a particular area. It emphasizes the idea of making substantial strides or advances.

(by|in) leaps and bounds
fast and furious
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/fˈæst ænd fjˈʊɹɪəs/
ZinsdeelIdiom

in a speedy and intense way

example
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The dancers performed the routine with fast and furious movements, captivating the audience.
The thunderstorm hit our town fast and furious, with heavy rain and strong winds.
The competition in the tech industry is moving forward at a fast and furious rate.
What is the origin of the idiom "fast and furious" and when to use it?

The idiom "fast and furious" is believed to have originated in English and has been in use for centuries. It combines two adjectives, "fast" and "furious," to describe something that is happening at a rapid and intense pace. The individual words themselves have long histories in the English language, and their combination creates a vivid and emphatic expression. This expression is used to describe a situation, action, or event that is occurring with great speed, intensity, energy, or enthusiasm. It conveys the idea of rapid and vigorous activity.

fast and furious
at lightning speed
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/æt lˈaɪtnɪŋ spˈiːd/
ZinsdeelIdiom

with extremely high speed

example
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The internet allows information to be shared across the world at lightning speed.
She completed the race at lightning speed, setting a new record.
The technology industry is evolving at lightning speed, with new innovations emerging daily.
What is the origin of the idiom "at lightning speed" and when to use it?

The idiom "at lightning speed" draws its origin from the natural phenomenon of lightning, which is known for its incredible speed and suddenness. Lightning is one of the fastest and most rapid occurrences in nature, and this phrase likens something to the swiftness and abruptness of a lightning strike. This phrase is used to describe the rapidity and quickness of an action, event, or movement. It emphasizes the astonishingly fast pace at which something is happening.

at lightning speed
like greased lightning
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/lˈaɪk ɡɹˈiːsd lˈaɪtnɪŋ/
ZinsdeelIdiom

in extremely high speed

example
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Her fingers moved across the piano keys like greased lightning during the performance.
What is the origin of the idiom "like greased lightning" and when to use it?

The idiom "like greased lightning" originates from the natural occurrence of lightning, which is known for its incredible speed and suddenness. This phrase is used to describe the extreme speed and quickness of an action, event, or movement.

like greased lightning
like a bat out of hell
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/lˈaɪk ɐ bˈæt ˌaʊɾəv hˈɛl/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

with great speed

What is the origin of the idiom "like a bat out of hell" and when to use it?

The idiom "like a bat out of hell" likely originated from the association of bats with darkness and their rapid, unpredictable flight patterns. Bats are known for their swift and agile flight, and the phrase conveys the idea of something or someone moving with extraordinary speed, urgency, or haste, as if escaping from a dangerous or chaotic situation. This idiomatic expression is used to describe something or someone moving extremely quickly, often with a sense of urgency or recklessness. It emphasizes the high speed and lack of restraint.

like a bat out of hell
like the wind
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/lˈaɪk ðə wˈɪnd/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

in a very quick way

example
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In the track and field competition, he sprinted like the wind and broke the record.
The news of the sale spread through the town like the wind, and people rushed to the store.
The horse galloped down the track like the wind, winning the race by a wide margin.
What is the origin of the idiom "like the wind" and when to use it?

The idiom "like the wind" has been used in English for centuries, likely originating from the observation of the speed and force of the wind. Wind can move swiftly and powerfully, and this phrase is a vivid way to describe something or someone moving with great speed. This expression is used to describe something or someone moving very swiftly and rapidly. It emphasizes the idea of high speed and often suggests a sense of agility or urgency.

like the wind
pedal to the metal
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/pˈɛdəl tə ðə mˈɛɾəl/
ZinsdeelIdiom

used to say that a vehicle is driven with great speed

example
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By this time next year, they will still be putting the pedal to the metal to expand their business operations.
They had the pedal to the metal and achieved their sales targets for the previous quarter.
In the final stretch of the marathon, she put the pedal to the metal and sprinted towards the finish line.
What is the origin of the idiom "pedal to the metal" and when to use it?

The idiom "pedal to the metal" originated from the world of driving and automotive racing, specifically referring to the act of pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floorboard. This action maximizes the engine's power and acceleration, allowing the vehicle to move at its fastest speed. This phrase is now used to convey the idea of pushing the vehicle one is driving to its absolute limit.

pedal to the metal
to run like the wind
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/ɹˈʌn lˈaɪk ðə wˈɪnd/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

to run with a lot of speed

example
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She raced across the soccer field, running like the wind to score the winning goal.
During the chase scene in the movie, the hero ran like the wind to escape the pursuers.
The children played tag in the park, and they all ran like the wind, giggling and having fun.
What is the origin of the idiom "run like the wind" and when to use it?

The idiom "run like the wind" is rooted in the observation that the wind moves swiftly and with remarkable speed. This phrase likely emerged as a poetic and vivid way to describe someone running at a very high pace. It has been in use in English for a considerable period, drawing upon the natural imagery of the wind's swiftness. This expression is used to describe someone running or moving with exceptional speed, often implying a great sense of agility or urgency. It vividly conveys the idea of rapid motion.

to [run] like the wind
touch and go
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/tˈʌtʃ ænd ɡˈoʊ/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

movements or actions that happen with a lot of speed

example
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The negotiations with the rival company were touch and go, with both sides hesitant to compromise.
It's touch and go whether he'll pull through at the end of this month.
In the final minutes of the game, the outcome was touch and go, with both teams vying for victory.
What is the origin of the idiom "touch and go" and when to use it?

The idiom "touch and go" originally had maritime origins, referring to a situation where a ship's keel would briefly touch the sea bottom before continuing its voyage. In this context, "touch" indicated the momentary contact with the seabed, and "go" signified that the ship could proceed safely. This phrase is used to describe movements or actions that occur quickly and with great speed and agility. It conveys the idea of something happening rapidly and effortlessly.

touch and go
like a rat up a drainpipe
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/lˈaɪk ɐ ɹˈæt ˌʌp ɐ dɹˈeɪnpaɪp/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

in a manner that is very fast

What is the origin of the idiom "like a rat up a drainpipe" and when to use it?

The idiom "like a rat up a drainpipe" likely originated from the observation that rats are known for their ability to move quickly and easily through narrow spaces, including drainpipes. This comparison highlights someone or something moving rapidly and without hesitation, similar to how a rat can navigate through tight and challenging passages. This expression is used to describe someone or something that is moving swiftly and with great speed. It conveys the idea of rapid and agile movement.

like a rat up a drainpipe
hell for leather
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/hˈɛl fɔːɹ lˈɛðɚ/
ZinsdeelIdiomInformal

as soon or fast as one can

What is the origin of the idiom "hell for leather" and when to use it?

The idiom "hell for leather" is believed to have originated in the 19th century and likely comes from the world of horse racing. It describes a rider urging their horse to go as fast as possible by using a whip or spurs, often pushing the horse to its limits. This idiomatic phrase is used to describe someone or something moving or progressing at high speed, often with great determination and intensity. It conveys the idea of rapid and sometimes reckless movement.

hell for leather
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