65 Idioms for Running Fast

Running fast is something many kids like to do. We run in school races. We run at the park. We run to catch the bus. Sometimes we move so quick that it is hard to find the right words to tell about it. That is why people use idioms. Idioms are special phrases. They do not mean exactly what the words say.

In this article, we will learn idioms for running fast. These phrases help us speak in a fun and clear way. You may hear them in games, on TV, or from friends. When you know these idioms, you can talk about speed in a smart way. It will also help you understand others better.

1. Run like the wind

Meaning:
To run very fast.

To Provide an Example:
I ran like the wind during P.E. class.
She ran like the wind to catch the school bus.
He ran like the wind in the park race.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very fast in any way.
Dad drove like the wind to the store.
The dog ran like the wind across the yard.

2. Fast as lightning

Meaning:
Very quick, like a flash of light.

To Provide an Example:
He was fast as lightning in the school race.
She ran fast as lightning at field day.
I ran fast as lightning to first base.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean doing something very fast.
Mom cleaned fast as lightning before guests came.
My brother finished his homework fast as lightning.

3. In a flash

Meaning:
Done very quickly.

To Provide an Example:
She ran to the car in a flash.
He ran to the playground in a flash.
I ran inside in a flash when it rained.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean something happened very fast.
The game ended in a flash.
Summer break went by in a flash.

4. Like a rocket

Meaning:
To move very fast upward or forward.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a rocket at recess.
She ran like a rocket to the ice cream truck.
I ran like a rocket in the gym.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean something goes up very fast.
The ball went up like a rocket.
My kite flew like a rocket.

5. At full speed

Meaning:
Going as fast as possible.

To Provide an Example:
He ran at full speed in the race.
She ran at full speed to tag her friend.
I ran at full speed to the bus stop.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean anything moving very fast.
The bike went at full speed down the hill.
The train moved at full speed.

6. Quick as a bunny

Meaning:
Very fast and light on your feet.

To Provide an Example:
She ran quick as a bunny in gym class.
He ran quick as a bunny at the park.
I ran quick as a bunny to the swings.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean doing something very fast.
She cleaned her room quick as a bunny.
He packed his bag quick as a bunny.

7. Like a cheetah

Meaning:
Running very fast like the fastest animal.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a cheetah in the school race.
She ran like a cheetah on field day.
I ran like a cheetah to first base.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very fast in any way.
The dog ran like a cheetah in the yard.
My little brother dashed like a cheetah.

8. In no time

Meaning:
Very quickly.

To Provide an Example:
She ran home in no time.
He ran to class in no time.
I ran to the bus in no time.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean something was done fast.
Mom made dinner in no time.
I finished my test in no time.

9. Like a flash of light

Meaning:
Very fast and bright like lightning.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a flash of light at recess.
She ran like a flash of light in the race.
I ran like a flash of light to the door.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean something happened fast.
The camera blinked like a flash of light.
The play ended like a flash of light.

10. In top gear

Meaning:
Going as fast as you can.

To Provide an Example:
He ran in top gear at track practice.
She ran in top gear at the park.
I ran in top gear during the race.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean working very fast.
Dad worked in top gear before his trip.
The team played in top gear.

11. Like a speeding train

Meaning:
Running very fast and strong.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a speeding train at field day.
She ran like a speeding train on the track.
I ran like a speeding train to the bus.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving fast in any way.
The bike went like a speeding train down the street.
The team rushed like a speeding train.

12. Breakneck speed

Meaning:
Very fast and a little risky.

To Provide an Example:
He ran at breakneck speed in the race.
She ran at breakneck speed to tag her friend.
I ran at breakneck speed in P.E. class.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean doing something very fast.
Dad drove at breakneck speed on the highway.
The kids cleaned up at breakneck speed.

13. Like a bullet

Meaning:
Very fast and straight.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a bullet to first base.
She ran like a bullet across the gym.
I ran like a bullet to the door.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very fast.
The ball flew like a bullet.
The dog shot off like a bullet.

14. Dash off

Meaning:
To run away quickly.

To Provide an Example:
He dashed off to the playground.
She dashed off to catch the bus.
I dashed off when the bell rang.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean leaving fast.
Dad dashed off to work.
Mom dashed off to the store.

15. Like greased lightning

Meaning:
Very fast and smooth.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like greased lightning in the race.
She ran like greased lightning on the track.
I ran like greased lightning to home plate.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very quickly.
The car moved like greased lightning.
The dog took off like greased lightning.

16. Take off

Meaning:
To start running very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He took off when the race began.
She took off when the bell rang.
I took off across the soccer field.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean leaving fast.
Dad took off for work early.
The plane took off from the airport.

17. Hit the ground running

Meaning:
To start moving very fast right away.

To Provide an Example:
He hit the ground running in the race.
She hit the ground running at track practice.
I hit the ground running at recess.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean starting work fast.
Mom hit the ground running on Monday.
The team hit the ground running this season.

18. Race ahead

Meaning:
To run faster than others.

To Provide an Example:
He raced ahead in the school race.
She raced ahead on the track.
I raced ahead during P.E. class.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving in front quickly.
The car raced ahead on the road.
The dog raced ahead on the trail.

19. Bolt down

Meaning:
To run very fast in one direction.

To Provide an Example:
He bolted down the field in soccer.
She bolted down the hallway.
I bolted down the street to catch the bus.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving fast in any way.
The cat bolted down the stairs.
The deer bolted down the path.

20. Tear down the track

Meaning:
To run very fast on a track.

To Provide an Example:
He tore down the track at field day.
She tore down the track in her race.
I tore down the track in gym class.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving fast in a race.
The bike tore down the hill.
The car tore down the highway.

21. Fly past

Meaning:
To run so fast that you pass others quickly.

To Provide an Example:
He flew past the other runners.
She flew past her friend in the race.
I flew past the finish line.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean something moving very fast.
The train flew past the station.
The car flew past us on the road.

22. Zip by

Meaning:
To move very fast past someone.

To Provide an Example:
He zipped by me in the race.
She zipped by on the playground.
I zipped by during track practice.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean time passing fast.
The weekend zipped by.
Summer vacation zipped by.

23. Speed off

Meaning:
To leave quickly by running.

To Provide an Example:
He sped off when the whistle blew.
She sped off to first base.
I sped off to the bus stop.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean driving away fast.
Dad sped off in the car.
The truck sped off down the road.

24. Sprint ahead

Meaning:
To run very fast in front of others.

To Provide an Example:
He sprinted ahead in the race.
She sprinted ahead at track practice.
I sprinted ahead at field day.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving forward fast.
The team sprinted ahead in points.
The bike sprinted ahead on the path.

25. Dash like crazy

Meaning:
To run very fast with strong effort.

To Provide an Example:
He dashed like crazy to score a goal.
She dashed like crazy to catch the bus.
I dashed like crazy in the relay race.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving fast in any task.
Mom dashed like crazy to finish dinner.
The kids dashed like crazy to clean up.

26. Run full tilt

Meaning:
To run as fast as you can.

To Provide an Example:
He ran full tilt at recess.
She ran full tilt in the 100-yard race.
I ran full tilt across the field.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean working very fast.
Dad worked full tilt before his trip.
The team played full tilt all game.

27. Rush past

Meaning:
To run quickly past someone.

To Provide an Example:
He rushed past the other kids.
She rushed past me on the track.
I rushed past the finish line.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving by fast.
The bus rushed past our house.
Cars rushed past on the highway.

28. Charge ahead

Meaning:
To run forward fast and strong.

To Provide an Example:
He charged ahead in the race.
She charged ahead at field day.
I charged ahead during P.E. class.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving forward quickly.
The team charged ahead in the game.
The dog charged ahead on the trail.

29. Take off like a shot

Meaning:
To start running very fast right away.

To Provide an Example:
He took off like a shot when the race started.
She took off like a shot at the whistle.
I took off like a shot in gym class.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean leaving very fast.
The car took off like a shot.
The runner took off like a shot from the line.

30. Run at top speed

Meaning:
To run as fast as possible.

To Provide an Example:
He ran at top speed in the race.
She ran at top speed on the track.
I ran at top speed to the bus.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very fast.
The bike went at top speed down the hill.
The train moved at top speed.

31. Blaze past

Meaning:
To run very fast past someone.

To Provide an Example:
He blazed past the other runners.
She blazed past me in the race.
I blazed past the finish line.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving by very fast.
The car blazed past our house.
The bike blazed past on the road.

32. Run like a deer

Meaning:
To run fast and light.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a deer at recess.
She ran like a deer in the park.
I ran like a deer during P.E. class.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving quickly and softly.
The dog ran like a deer in the yard.
The cat ran like a deer across the grass.

33. Speed by

Meaning:
To move past very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He sped by in the race.
She sped by on the track.
I sped by my friend at field day.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean something passing fast.
The train sped by the station.
Cars sped by on the freeway.

34. Run flat out

Meaning:
To run as fast as you can.

To Provide an Example:
He ran flat out in the race.
She ran flat out to score a goal.
I ran flat out to the bus stop.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean working very hard and fast.
Dad worked flat out before his trip.
The team played flat out all game.

35. Dash at full speed

Meaning:
To run very fast without slowing down.

To Provide an Example:
He dashed at full speed in gym class.
She dashed at full speed across the field.
I dashed at full speed in the relay race.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving quickly in any way.
The bike dashed at full speed down the hill.
The dog dashed at full speed to the gate.

36. Shoot ahead

Meaning:
To move quickly in front of others.

To Provide an Example:
He shot ahead in the race.
She shot ahead at track practice.
I shot ahead at the start line.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving forward fast.
The car shot ahead at the green light.
The team shot ahead in points.

37. Run like a streak

Meaning:
To run very fast in a straight line.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a streak across the field.
She ran like a streak in the race.
I ran like a streak to first base.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean something moving very fast.
The ball went like a streak through the air.
The bike went like a streak down the path.

38. Hurry along

Meaning:
To move quickly.

To Provide an Example:
He hurried along to the bus stop.
She hurried along during recess.
I hurried along to class.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean telling someone to go faster.
Mom said, “Hurry along, we are late.”
Coach said, “Hurry along, team.”

39. Tear off

Meaning:
To run away very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He tore off when the whistle blew.
She tore off to catch the ball.
I tore off at the start of the race.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean leaving quickly.
Dad tore off to work.
The dog tore off after the squirrel.

40. Fly down the field

Meaning:
To run very fast across a field.

To Provide an Example:
He flew down the field in soccer.
She flew down the field in flag football.
I flew down the field during practice.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very fast in open space.
The bike flew down the hill.
The sled flew down the snowy hill.

41. Rush ahead

Meaning:
To move forward very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He rushed ahead in the race.
She rushed ahead at field day.
I rushed ahead on the track.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving in front quickly.
The car rushed ahead on the highway.
The team rushed ahead in points.

42. Run like a champ

Meaning:
To run very well and very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a champ in the race.
She ran like a champ at track practice.
I ran like a champ at recess.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean doing something very well.
She played like a champ in the game.
He worked like a champ on his project.

43. Speed through

Meaning:
To move very fast through a place.

To Provide an Example:
He sped through the track in the race.
She sped through the cones at practice.
I sped through the gym during relay.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean finishing something fast.
I sped through my homework.
Dad sped through his emails.

44. Bolt ahead

Meaning:
To run quickly in front of others.

To Provide an Example:
He bolted ahead at the start.
She bolted ahead in the race.
I bolted ahead on the track.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving forward fast.
The car bolted ahead at the light.
The dog bolted ahead on the trail.

45. Run like a race car

Meaning:
To run very fast like a fast car.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a race car in gym class.
She ran like a race car at field day.
I ran like a race car in the park.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very fast.
The bike went like a race car down the hill.
The toy car moved like a race car on the floor.

46. Dash past

Meaning:
To run quickly past someone.

To Provide an Example:
He dashed past me in the race.
She dashed past the other team.
I dashed past the finish line.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving by fast.
The car dashed past our house.
The bike dashed past on the road.

47. Run like a fox

Meaning:
To run fast and smart.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a fox in tag.
She ran like a fox at recess.
I ran like a fox in the race.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean acting in a smart way.
He planned like a fox in chess club.
She thought like a fox in class.

48. Burst ahead

Meaning:
To suddenly run in front.

To Provide an Example:
He burst ahead at the start.
She burst ahead in the race.
I burst ahead when the whistle blew.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving forward fast.
The car burst ahead at the light.
The team burst ahead in points.

49. Run like the windstorm

Meaning:
To run very fast like strong wind.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like the windstorm in gym.
She ran like the windstorm at field day.
I ran like the windstorm in the park.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very fast.
The leaves flew like a windstorm.
The kite moved like a windstorm.

50. Zoom past

Meaning:
To move very fast past someone.

To Provide an Example:
He zoomed past the other runners.
She zoomed past me on the track.
I zoomed past first base.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean passing by fast.
The train zoomed past the station.
Cars zoomed past on the freeway.

51. Run at lightning speed

Meaning:
To run as fast as lightning.

To Provide an Example:
He ran at lightning speed in the race.
She ran at lightning speed at recess.
I ran at lightning speed to the bus.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving very fast.
The bike went at lightning speed.
The sled moved at lightning speed.

52. Speed along

Meaning:
To move quickly forward.

To Provide an Example:
He sped along the track.
She sped along the field.
I sped along in gym class.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean going forward fast.
The car sped along the highway.
The boat sped along the lake.

53. Fly ahead

Meaning:
To run very fast in front.

To Provide an Example:
He flew ahead in the race.
She flew ahead at field day.
I flew ahead on the track.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving in front quickly.
The bike flew ahead on the trail.
The team flew ahead in points.

54. Dash ahead

Meaning:
To run quickly to the front.

To Provide an Example:
He dashed ahead at the start.
She dashed ahead in the race.
I dashed ahead during relay.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving forward fast.
The car dashed ahead at the light.
The dog dashed ahead on the path.

55. Run like a breeze

Meaning:
To run fast and smooth.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a breeze in gym.
She ran like a breeze at recess.
I ran like a breeze in the park.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean something is easy.
The test felt like a breeze.
The game was a breeze.

56. Rocket ahead

Meaning:
To move forward very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He rocketed ahead in the race.
She rocketed ahead at field day.
I rocketed ahead on the track.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean rising fast.
The toy plane rocketed ahead.
The score rocketed ahead.

57. Run like a panther

Meaning:
To run fast and quiet.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a panther in tag.
She ran like a panther in the race.
I ran like a panther across the field.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving quietly and fast.
The cat moved like a panther.
The dog moved like a panther in the yard.

58. Hurry past

Meaning:
To move quickly past someone.

To Provide an Example:
He hurried past the other kids.
She hurried past me in the race.
I hurried past the cones.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean walking fast.
She hurried past the store.
He hurried past the office.

59. Speed ahead

Meaning:
To move forward very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He sped ahead in the race.
She sped ahead on the track.
I sped ahead at field day.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving in front quickly.
The car sped ahead on the road.
The team sped ahead in points.

60. Dash off quickly

Meaning:
To run away very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He dashed off quickly when the bell rang.
She dashed off quickly to the bus.
I dashed off quickly after practice.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean leaving in a hurry.
Dad dashed off quickly to work.
Mom dashed off quickly to the store.

61. Run like a storm

Meaning:
To run very fast and strong.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a storm in the race.
She ran like a storm at recess.
I ran like a storm across the field.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving with strong force.
The wind blew like a storm.
The rain came like a storm.

62. Bolt past

Meaning:
To run very fast past someone.

To Provide an Example:
He bolted past the other team.
She bolted past me in the race.
I bolted past the finish line.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving by fast.
The car bolted past our house.
The bike bolted past on the road.

63. Fly like an arrow

Meaning:
To run straight and very fast.

To Provide an Example:
He flew like an arrow in the race.
She flew like an arrow across the field.
I flew like an arrow to first base.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving in a straight fast line.
The ball flew like an arrow.
The sled went like an arrow down the hill.

64. Zoom ahead

Meaning:
To move quickly to the front.

To Provide an Example:
He zoomed ahead in the race.
She zoomed ahead at field day.
I zoomed ahead on the track.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean moving forward very fast.
The car zoomed ahead at the light.
The bike zoomed ahead on the path.

65. Run like a speedster

Meaning:
To run very fast like a fast runner.

To Provide an Example:
He ran like a speedster in gym.
She ran like a speedster at recess.
I ran like a speedster in the race.

Alternative Meaning:
It can mean someone who is very fast.
He is a speedster on the team.
She is a speedster on the track.

Here are 20 multiple choice questions.

1. In P.E. class, Jake ran so fast that he moved like the wind; what does this mean?
   A. He ran very fast
   B. He walked slowly
   C. He sat down
   
2. Maria was fast as lightning in the school race; what does that mean?
   A. She ran very quickly
   B. She was scared
   C. She was late
   
3. The bell rang and Tom took off; what does took off mean?
   A. He started running fast
   B. He fell down
   C. He took off his shoes
   
4. Lily ran at full speed to catch the bus; what does at full speed mean?
   A. As fast as she could
   B. Very slowly
   C. With small steps
   
5. During field day, Ben flew past the other kids; what does flew past mean?
   A. He ran ahead of them
   B. He stopped
   C. He walked behind them
   
6. Emma zoomed past me on the track; what does zoomed past mean?
   A. She ran very fast by me
   B. She waved at me
   C. She tripped
   
7. Noah dashed off when the whistle blew; what does dashed off mean?
   A. He ran away quickly
   B. He took a nap
   C. He talked to his friend
   
8. Ava ran like a rocket at recess; what does that mean?
   A. She ran very fast
   B. She jumped high
   C. She crawled
   
9. Liam bolted ahead at the start of the race; what does bolted ahead mean?
   A. He ran in front very fast
   B. He tied his shoes
   C. He waited
   
10. Sofia sped along the soccer field; what does sped along mean?
    A. She moved quickly forward
    B. She stood still
    C. She sat down
    
11. Ethan ran like a deer in the park; what does that mean?
    A. He ran fast and light
    B. He walked slowly
    C. He felt tired
    
12. Mia rushed past the cones in gym class; what does rushed past mean?
    A. She ran quickly by them
    B. She kicked them
    C. She picked them up
    
13. Daniel ran flat out in the 100-yard race; what does flat out mean?
    A. As fast as he could
    B. On the ground
    C. Very slowly
    
14. Chloe shot ahead when the race began; what does shot ahead mean?
    A. She moved in front very fast
    B. She stopped
    C. She looked back
    
15. Aiden ran at lightning speed to first base; what does lightning speed mean?
    A. Very fast
    B. Very quiet
    C. Very slow
    
16. Harper dashed ahead during the relay race; what does dashed ahead mean?
    A. She ran to the front quickly
    B. She fell down
    C. She left the game
    
17. Mason tore off when the coach said go; what does tore off mean?
    A. He ran away fast
    B. He took off his shirt
    C. He sat down
    
18. Ella ran like greased lightning in the race; what does that mean?
    A. She ran very fast and smooth
    B. She slipped
    C. She walked slowly
    
19. Logan sprinted ahead at track practice; what does sprinted ahead mean?
    A. He ran fast in front
    B. He walked behind
    C. He rested
    
20. Grace ran like the windstorm across the field; what does that mean?
    A. She ran very fast
    B. She moved slowly
    C. She stood still
    

Answers:

1. A
   
2. A
   
3. A
   
4. A
   
5. A
   
6. A
   
7. A
   
8. A
   
9. A
   
10. A
    
11. A
    
12. A
    
13. A
    
14. A
    
15. A
    
16. A
    
17. A
    
18. A
    
19. A
    
20. A

Conclusion

Running fast can be fun. It can happen in gym class, at the park, or during a school race. Idioms help us talk about speed in a lively way. They make our words more clear and bright.

Now you know many idioms for running fast. You can use them when you play sports or tell a story. When you hear them on TV or from a coach, you will understand them. Keep learning new phrases. It will help your speech grow strong and smart.