Like Gangbusters: Come On/Going 💥
Proceed noisily and vigorously. The term emerged in the United States in the 1940s, when “Gangbusters” was a popular radio program in which the police “busted” (pursued and caught) gangsters with a cacophony of sound effects—police sirens, roaring motors, screeching brakes, and more. The show’s noisy urgency spilled over into everyday language, illustrating high-energy endeavors.
Synonyms 🕶️
- Full throttle 🔥
- Guns blazing 🔫
- All systems go 🚀
- Pedal to the metal 🏎️
Antonyms 🛑
- Taking it slow 🐢
- Half-hearted 💔
- Dragging one’s feet 🦶🏼
Fun Quotes 🗣️
- “He came at the problem like gangbusters—there wasn’t a paper jam he couldn’t solve!” — Anonymous Office Hero
- “When it comes to parties, she goes in like gangbusters: confetti, music, and enough glitter to blind a horse.” — Social Butterfly Chronicles
Similar Expressions 🌐
- Hit the ground running: Start something and proceed energetically.
- Swing for the fences: Aim for significant success even when the chance of success is low.
Educational Proverbs 📚
- “Action is the foundational key to all success.” — Pablo Picasso 🎨
- “No sooner said than done.” — Greek Proverb 🏛️
Recommended Media 📖🎬
- Books: “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand 📘 — high-intensity pursuit of innovation.
- Movies: “Die Hard” 🎥 — nothing screams like gangbusters more than this adrenaline-fueled classic.
- Music: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor 🎵 — get pumped and proceed with vigor.
- Poetry: “If” by Rudyard Kipling 🖋️ — revelations on resilience and perseverance.
Quiz Time! 🧠
#### Which expression parallels "like gangbusters"?
- [x] Full throttle
- [ ] Cool as a cucumber
- [ ] Slowly but surely
- [ ] lost in the clouds
> **Explanation:** "Full throttle" perfectly aligns with the concept of approaching something with high energy and speed.
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#### Which phrase means "proceed vigorously"?
- [ ] Dragging one's feet
- [x] Guns blazing
- [ ] Take a rain check
- [ ] On the back burner
> **Explanation:** "Guns blazing" suggests entering a situation energetically and fiercely, much like "like gangbusters".
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#### True or False: To go "like gangbusters" means to proceed quietly and cautiously.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely false! To go "like gangbusters" means to proceed noisily and vigorously, not quietly or cautiously.
Inspirational Thought: “Life is a highway, and if you’re not going like gangbusters, you’re just stuck in traffic.” 🚗💨
Keep the momentum rolling!
— B. W. Bustamove
