like greased lightning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like greased lightning" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that moves very quickly or happens very fast. Example: "The car took off down the road like greased lightning, leaving everyone in the dust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It makes the complex immigration procedures at American airports feel like greased lightning.

The Economist

The results in Riverside came in like greased lightning.

The New York Times

BRASH, glitzy and growing like greased lightning, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a powerful emblem of the emerging India.

The Economist

"Only write about quick-witted men and resourceful girls whose reactions are like greased lightning".

The Guardian - Books

I walk fast, I think fast, I talk like greased lightning.

The Guardian

Some companies, like Greased Lightning in Newark, now specialize in collecting and paying for large quantities of used oil from restaurants to refine into biofuel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Elsewhere in the museum "SEVEN ARTISTS INSPIRED BY HANUKKAH" presents works like Alice Aycock's "Greased Lightning" (1984), a kinetic sculpture of three large dreidels spinning on a metal platform.

The New York Times - Arts

On stains that dishwashing liquid will not remove, more powerful cleaners like Formula 409, Fantastik or Greased Lightning can be used, he said.

The New York Times

(Scott's racing travails were chronicled in "Greased Lightning," the 1977 film starring Richard Pryor).

The New York Times

"Mitch was greased lightning, Mitch was the light," a comedian named Randy Kagan insisted between fits of tears.

The New York Times - Magazine

To misquote the musical: Greased Lightning -- automatic, hydromatic, etc. -- it is not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like greased lightning" to vividly describe actions or movements that are exceptionally fast or efficient. This idiom adds color and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "like greased lightning" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like greased lightning" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It vividly illustrates speed and swiftness, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

General Conversation

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like greased lightning" is a vivid idiom used to describe something that moves or happens with exceptional speed and ease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and offers numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist. While suitable for news, sports commentary, and general conversation, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or technical contexts. Alternatives such as "extremely fast" or "at lightning speed" may be more appropriate in those settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faster than a speeding bullet

This idiom is a classic simile for extreme speed, often used humorously.

at lightning speed

This version uses the literal element of lightning to emphasize speed.

quick as a flash

This option uses 'flash' as a metaphor for speed, similar to lightning.

incredibly quick

This phrase uses "incredibly" to emphasize the speed, making it a more descriptive alternative.

at breakneck speed

This phrase emphasizes a dangerously high speed.

with blistering speed

Blistering suggests an intense, almost overwhelming, level of speed.

extremely fast

This alternative simplifies the idiom to a straightforward adjective phrase indicating high speed.

at full tilt

This idiom suggests moving or operating at maximum speed or effort.

with great rapidity

This option is more formal and emphasizes the speed of an action.

at a rapid pace

This phrase focuses on the rate at which something moves or occurs.

FAQs

How can I use "like greased lightning" in a sentence?

You can use "like greased lightning" to describe something that moves or happens very quickly. For example: "The runner dashed across the field "like greased lightning"."

What does "like greased lightning" mean?

"Like greased lightning" means moving or happening very quickly and effortlessly, as if lubricated to reduce friction.

Are there any alternatives to "like greased lightning" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "extremely fast", "incredibly quick", or "at lightning speed" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "like greased lightning"?

The phrase "like greased lightning" is appropriate in informal, descriptive contexts, such as news reports, sports commentary, and general conversation. It's less suitable for formal academic or technical writing.