bat out of hell
Meaning
Extremely fast; moving or doing something at top speed, often suddenly and recklessly.
Origin
From the vivid image of a bat suddenly bursting out of hell—suggesting frantic, uncontrollable speed. The phrase is widely attested in 20th-century English and became popular in colloquial speech (and later via pop culture, e.g., music/film).
Notes
Colloquial and hyperbolic. Implies not just speed but suddenness and a wild/reckless feel. Common for people, cars, bikes; can sound a bit coarse in formal contexts.
Examples
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The taxi took off like a bat out of hell as soon as I shut the door.
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When the fire alarm went off, everyone ran out of the building like a bat out of hell.
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He came into the meeting like a bat out of hell, demanding answers immediately.
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As soon as she saw the storm clouds, she drove home like a bat out of hell.
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The dog bolted after the squirrel like a bat out of hell.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used in similes or as an adverbial phrase: “like a bat out of hell” (most common) or “(go/drive/run) like a bat out of hell.” Article is typically “a.” Plural is rare. Can be shortened to “bat out of hell” as a modifier (“bat-out-of-hell pace”).
Synonyms
- like lightning
- at breakneck speed
- like a rocket
- like a shot
- hell for leather
Antonyms
- at a snail's pace
- slow and steady
- take your time