50 Idioms for Being in a Hurry (Meanings & Examples)

Idioms are creative expressions where the words together carry a figurative meaning rather than a literal one. People use them to add color, speed, and vivid imagery to everyday conversation and writing. In this lesson, we will explore special idioms and descriptive phrases that help us talk about being in a rush, moving quickly, and racing against the clock.

Let’s look at expressions that capture what it means to be in a hurry.

Idioms for Being in a Hurry

1. In a rush

Definition: Moving or acting with great haste because of limited time.

Used in a Sentence: She grabbed her coffee and ran out the door because she was in a rush. / Don’t work in a rush, or you might make careless mistakes.

Similar Expressions: Hasting / Rushing

2. Against the clock

Definition: Working or moving under severe time pressure to finish something before a deadline.

Used in a Sentence: The rescue team raced against the clock to reach the stranded hikers before nightfall. / We are working against the clock to complete the report by noon.

Similar Expressions: Racing time / Time-critical

3. Pressed for time

Definition: Having very little time available to complete tasks or get somewhere.

Used in a Sentence: I can’t stop to chat right now; I’m terribly pressed for time. / Since we are pressed for time, let’s skip the small talk and get straight to business.

Similar Expressions: Short on time / Busy

4. Burning daylight

Definition: Wasting valuable time when you should be moving quickly or getting things done.

Used in a Sentence: Hurry up and pack the car; we’re burning daylight! / Stop standing around talking; we’ve got work to do and we’re burning daylight.

Similar Expressions: Wasting time / Hasting

5. At full tilt

Definition: Moving or operating at maximum speed, energy, or urgency.

Used in a Sentence: The factory production lines were running at full tilt to meet holiday orders. / He drove down the highway at full tilt to make his flight.

Similar Expressions: Full speed / Rapidly

6. Burning the candle at both ends

Definition: Working excessively long hours, sleeping little, and rushing through life.

Used in a Sentence: Ever since starting her new job while studying, she has been burning the candle at both ends. / You’ll get sick if you keep burning the candle at both ends.

Similar Expressions: Overworking / Rushing frantically

7. Hitting the ground running

Definition: Starting a new project or task immediately with high speed, energy, and urgency.

Used in a Sentence: The new manager hit the ground running, restructuring the team on his very first day. / We need someone who can hit the ground running without needing extensive training.

Similar Expressions: Starting fast / Immediate action

8. Making tracks

Definition: Leaving quickly or moving fast to get somewhere on time.

Used in a Sentence: It’s getting late, so we’d better start making tracks if we want to catch the train. / He saw the dark storm clouds rolling in and started making tracks for home.

Similar Expressions: Moving fast / Departing quickly

9. Speeding along

Definition: Progressing rapidly and without delay.

Used in a Sentence: With everyone pitching in, the construction work was speeding along nicely. / The project is speeding along ahead of schedule.

Similar Expressions: Progressing fast / Moving swiftly

10. Breaking a speed record

Definition: Moving exceptionally fast or completing a task in record time.

Used in a Sentence: She cleaned the entire house in under an hour, practically breaking a speed record. / He drove to the hospital breaking a speed record during the emergency.

Similar Expressions: Moving ultra-fast / Record pace

11. Fleet-footed

Definition: Moving quickly, agilely, and with great swiftness.

Used in a Sentence: The fleet-footed soccer player easily outran the defenders. / She was fleet-footed as she sprinted across the campus to her exam.

Similar Expressions: Swift / Fast-moving

12. Quick on the draw

Definition: Acting, responding, or moving with immediate speed.

Used in a Sentence: Thanks to being quick on the draw, she caught the falling vase before it shattered. / You have to be quick on the draw to grab these limited-edition concert tickets.

Similar Expressions: Fast-acting / Quick-witted

13. Double time

Definition: Moving or working at twice the normal speed or urgency.

Used in a Sentence: The commander ordered the troops to march in double time to reach the outpost. / We need to move in double time if we want to beat the traffic.

Similar Expressions: Accelerated speed / Fast pace

14. Skedaddle

Definition: To run away or leave a place quickly, often in a hurry.

Used in a Sentence: When the security guard spotted them, the teenagers decided to skedaddle. / We’d better skedaddle before it starts pouring rain.

Similar Expressions: Flee / Rush off

15. Tear away

Definition: To leave a place or stop an activity with great haste.

Used in a Sentence: It was hard to tear away from the fascinating conversation, but I had to catch my bus. / He had to tear away from the party early to prep for an early morning meeting.

SimilarExpressions: Rush away / Depart hastily

16. On the run

Definition: Moving constantly, living hastily, or rushing from place to place.

Used in a Sentence: Between client meetings and kids’ soccer practices, she’s always on the run. / He grabbed a quick sandwich on the run because he had no time to sit down.

SimilarExpressions: Rushing about / Busy

17. Stirring your stumps

Definition: Moving your legs faster or hurrying up (traditional expression).

Used in a Sentence: Come on, stir your stumps or we’re going to miss the opening curtain! / The coach told the players to stir their stumps during drills.

SimilarExpressions: Hurry up / Move faster

18. Flying by

Definition: Moving with extreme speed or passing in a blur.

Used in a Sentence: The weekend flew by so fast that I barely had time to relax. / The sports car went flying by us on the highway.

SimilarExpressions: Whizzing past / Moving swiftly

19. Whipping through

Definition: Completing a task or moving through a space with rapid speed.

Used in a Sentence: She whipped through her paperwork in less than twenty minutes. / We whipped through the grocery store aisles to grab milk before closing.

SimilarExpressions: Sweeping through / Rushing through

20. Shifting into high gear

Definition: Suddenly accelerating your work pace or movement to a high level of urgency.

Used in a Sentence: With only two days left before the launch, the engineering team shifted into high gear. / Her preparations shifted into high gear once she booked the venue.

SimilarExpressions: Accelerating / Speeding up

21. Running on fast-forward

Definition: Living or experiencing events at an unusually rapid, rushed pace.

Used in a Sentence: Ever since moving to the city, my life has felt like it’s running on fast-forward. / The month of December always feels like it’s running on fast-forward.

SimilarExpressions: Rushed pace / Accelerating life

22. In a flying start

Definition: Beginning a project or journey with immense speed and momentum.

Used in a Sentence: The runner got off to a flying start and maintained the lead until the finish line. / Our new business venture got off to a flying start this quarter.

SimilarExpressions: Fast beginning / Rapid launch

23. Pushing the envelope

(Note: Often means taking risks, but implies pushing limits of speed or performance)

Definition: Pushing systems or schedules to their absolute maximum limits.

Used in a Sentence: The test pilot was known for pushing the envelope of speed and altitude. / We are pushing the envelope with our tight deadlines this month.

SimilarExpressions: Maximizing limits / Speeding up

24. Breathing down someone’s neck

Definition: Pressuring someone closely, often creating a sense of urgent haste.

Used in a Sentence: With the auditor breathing down our neck, we had to finish the financial statements immediately. / I work best without a manager breathing down my neck.

SimilarExpressions: Pressuring / Rushing

25. High-speed chase

Definition: Moving at top speed to catch up with a deadline, goal, or target.

Used in a Sentence: Finishing this project before Friday feels like a high-speed chase. / The team embarked on a high-speed chase to secure the client account.

SimilarExpressions: Rapid pursuit / Urgent rush

26. Like a bat out of hell

Definition: Moving with extreme, frightening speed or haste.

Used in a Sentence: When the storm sirens started wailing, he drove out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell. / She bolted out of the office like a bat out of hell at 5:00 PM.

SimilarExpressions: Extremely fast / Blazing speed

27. Like greased lightning

Definition: Moving with incredible, instantaneous speed.

Used in a Sentence: The mechanic fixed the flat tire like greased lightning. / When the alarm sounded, the firefighters slid down the pole like greased lightning.

SimilarExpressions: Blazing fast / Instantaneous

28. At breakneck speed

Definition: Dangerously or frantically fast speed.

Used in a Sentence: The tech industry evolves at breakneck speed, making it hard to keep up. / He descended the ski slope at breakneck speed.

SimilarExpressions: Frantic speed / Dangerous haste

29. In full swing

Definition: Operating at maximum momentum, requiring fast-paced participation.

Used in a Sentence: By the time we arrived, the party was already in full swing. / Production was in full swing by Tuesday morning.

SimilarExpressions: Active / Busy pace

30. Moving at warp speed

Definition: Moving or working at an impossibly fast, futuristic speed.

Used in a Sentence: Technology is advancing at warp speed compared to a decade ago. / She typed out the urgent email at warp speed.

SimilarExpressions: Ultra-fast / Maximum velocity

31. Pressing on

Definition: Continuing a journey or task with determination and urgency despite obstacles.

Used in a Sentence: We were tired, but we kept pressing on to reach the cabin before dark. / Despite technical glitches, the team kept pressing on toward the deadline.

SimilarExpressions: Hasting forward / Persevering urgently

32. Hot foot

Definition: To run or walk somewhere quickly with great haste.

Used in a Sentence: When he realized he was late, he hot-footed it to the subway station. / She hot-footed it across the lawn to greet her visiting family.

SimilarExpressions: Hurry / Sprint

33. On the double

Definition: Moving or working immediately and at twice the normal speed.

Used in a Sentence: The sergeant commanded the recruits to line up on the double. / Get your jacket; we need to leave for the airport on the double!

SimilarExpressions: Immediately / Hurry up

34. Whipping along

Definition: Moving forward rapidly and efficiently.

Used in a Sentence: The traffic on the bypass was whipping along smoothly. / Our home renovation project is whipping along faster than expected.

SimilarExpressions: Moving fast / Progressing swiftly

35. Making a dash for it

Definition: Suddenly running or hurrying quickly to reach safety, shelter, or transport.

Used in a Sentence: When the rain started pouring, we made a dash for it across the street. / He missed his usual bus and made a dash for the express train.

SimilarExpressions: Sprinting / Sudden rush

36. Out like a rocket

Definition: Launching or moving forward with sudden, explosive speed.

Used in a Sentence: The sprinter shot out like a rocket when the starting pistol fired. / The startup grew out like a rocket in its first year.

SimilarExpressions: Explosive start / Rapid acceleration

37. Living life in the fast lane

Definition: Living a high-stress, exciting, and fast-paced lifestyle.

Used in a Sentence: Working as an investment banker meant he was always living life in the fast lane. / She loved the excitement of living life in the fast lane in Manhattan.

SimilarExpressions: Fast-paced lifestyle / High-speed living

38. Scoot

Definition: Informally meaning to leave or move somewhere quickly.

Used in a Sentence: I have to scoot; my next meeting starts in five minutes! / Let’s scoot before the restaurant gets too crowded.

SimilarExpressions: Hurry off / Depart quickly

39. Step on it

Definition: An expression telling someone to drive faster or hurry up.

Used in a Sentence: Step on it, driver, or we’re going to miss our flight! / We’re running behind schedule, so please step on it.

SimilarExpressions: Hurry up / Accelerate

40. Put your skates on

Definition: A British expression meaning to hurry up and move faster.

Used in a Sentence: Put your skates on if you want to make it to the movie before the trailers end! / The children were told to put their skates on so they wouldn’t miss the bus.

SimilarExpressions: Hurry up / Make haste

41. Shake a leg

Definition: An idiom meaning to hurry up, move faster, or get moving.

Used in a Sentence: Shake a leg, everyone! The tour bus is leaving in two minutes. / You need to shake a leg if you want to finish cleaning before guests arrive.

SimilarExpressions: Hurry up / Hustle

42. Hustle

Definition: To move or act with energetic haste and urgency.

Used in a Sentence: The team needs to hustle if they want to score before the clock runs out. / We had to hustle to pack our bags before the cab arrived.

SimilarExpressions: Rush / Move quickly

43. Leg it

Definition: To run somewhere quickly, often to escape or catch something (British informal expression).

Used in a Sentence: When we saw the ticket inspector coming, we had to leg it. / He missed his alarm and had to leg it to the station.

SimilarExpressions: Run / Sprint

44. Running on overdrive

Definition: Operating at an intense, accelerated level of speed and activity.

Used in a Sentence: My brain has been running on overdrive trying to prep for this presentation. / The kitchen staff was running on overdrive during the dinner rush.

SimilarExpressions: Intense pace / Overworking

45. Hitting the gas

Definition: Accelerating a vehicle or a project’s pace dramatically.

Used in a Sentence: He hit the gas to pass the slow-moving truck on the highway. / We need to hit the gas on marketing efforts this quarter.

SimilarExpressions: Accelerate / Speed up

46. Charging ahead

Definition: Moving forward with aggressive speed, confidence, and urgency.

Used in a Sentence: Despite market uncertainty, the company is charging ahead with its expansion plans. / She took charge of the group and started charging ahead.

SimilarExpressions: Advancing rapidly / Moving forward

47. Hitting top gear

Definition: Reaching maximum operational or movement speed.

Used in a Sentence: The marathon runner hit top gear during the final mile. / Our fundraising campaign has finally hit top gear.

SimilarExpressions: Maximum speed / Peak acceleration

48. Speeding bullet

(Describing fast movement)

Definition: Moving with the speed and straight trajectory of a bullet.

Used in a Sentence: The train zoomed past the station like a speeding bullet. / He rushed down the hallway like a speeding bullet.

SimilarExpressions: Blazing fast / Swift

49. In a blur

Definition: Moving so fast that individual details cannot be clearly seen.

Used in a Sentence: The scenery outside the train window passed by in a blur. / The entire week went by in a blur of meetings and deadlines.

SimilarExpressions: Fast-moving / Indistinct blur

50. Making up for lost time

Definition: Hurrying or working at an accelerated pace to compensate for a late start or delay.

Used in a Sentence: We started our road trip late, so we drove fast, making up for lost time. / After recovering from illness, she worked hard, making up for lost time.

SimilarExpressions: Compensating for delay / Hasting

Exercise to Practice

1. To be “pressed for time” means you have plenty of hours to relax and take your isssues slowly.
2. Moving “at breakneck speed” means you are moving with dangerously or frantically fast speed.
3. To “shake a leg” or “step on it” means to hurry up and move faster.
4. Being “burned out from daylight” means you are wasting valuable time when you should be moving.
5. Moving “like greased lightning” means moving with incredible, instantaneous speed.
6. To “hot-foot” or “make tracks” means to leave or move somewhere slowly.
7. Working “against the clock” means under severe time pressure to finish before a deadline.
8. To “put your skates on” is an idiom meaning to slow down and take a break.
9. Moving at “warp speed” means operating at an impossibly fast, futuristic speed.
10. To “leg it” or “skedaddle” means to run away or leave a place quickly.
11. Being “on the run” means sitting completely still and meditating for hours.
12. To “hit the ground running” means starting a new project with high speed and urgency.
13. Moving in “double time” means working at half your normal speed.
14. To “scoot” means to leave or move somewhere quickly.
15. Running on “overdrive” means operating at an intense, accelerated level of speed and activity.

Answer Key

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. False
7. True
8. False
9. True
10. True
11. False
12. True
13. False
14. True
15. True

Conclusion

Learning idioms about being in a hurry helps you express urgency, speed, and time pressure using vivid and engaging language. Whether you want to describe someone moving “like greased lightning” or working “against the clock,” these phrases add color and excitement to your conversations and writing.

Try using expressions like “shake a leg” or “breakneck speed” in your next story or conversation when racing against a deadline!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common idioms for being in a hurry?

Common idioms for being in a hurry include against the clock, pressed for time, at breakneck speed, like greased lightning, and shake a leg.

What does it mean to “shake a leg”?

It is a popular informal idiom meaning to hurry up, move faster, or get moving without delay.

What is the difference between being “pressed for time” and “burning daylight”?

Being “pressed for time” means you personally have very little schedule space left, whereas “burning daylight” refers specifically to wasting valuable hours of daylight when you should be moving quickly.

Are these idioms meant to be interpreted literally?

No, these phrases are figurative expressions. For example, moving like “greased lightning” means you are extremely fast, not literally covered in cooking oil and electricity.

How can learning these phrases improve my writing?

Learning these expressions adds conversational flair, dramatic tension, and dynamic pacing to narrative descriptions and character dialogues involving urgent situations.