The Village Idiom

bang out

The idiom bang out is typically used to mean doing or completing something quickly or forcefully. It can also imply producing or creating something quickly and skillfully, often with a sense of urgency or intensity.

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In a sentence

  • She can bang out a catchy tune on the piano.
  • The chef could bang out delicious meals in no time.
  • He's a skilled typist who can bang out a document in record time.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "bang out" has multiple meanings and uses. One common usage of this idiom is to describe playing a musical piece or a series of notes quickly and forcefully on a piano or similar instrument. When someone "bangs out" a musical piece, they strike the keys of the instrument with force, producing a loud and striking sound. The phrase "bang out" in this context is often used to describe a passionate and energetic performance.

Another meaning of the idiom "bang out" is to produce something quickly or effortlessly. This can be applied to various activities or tasks. For example, someone might "bang out" a document by typing it at a high speed, or quickly "bang out" a painting or drawing. The word "bang" in this context implies speed, efficiency, and possibly a sense of forcefulness or intensity in the action.

Additionally, "bang out" can also be used to describe the act of creating or producing something without much thought or consideration. When someone "bangs out" something, it suggests that they are doing it quickly and without putting much effort or attention to detail into it. This usage can be seen in phrases such as "He banged out a half-baked song in just a few minutes." The connotation here is that the resulting output may not be of the highest quality or fully developed.

An idiom related to "bang out" is "bang away." The phrase "bang away" has a similar meaning to "bang out" in terms of producing something quickly and forcefully. However, "bang away" tends to imply a sense of continuous and repeated action. For example, someone might "bang away" at a typewriter or keyboard, indicating that they are typing continuously and with energy.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.