hit the accelerator: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hit the accelerator’ mean?
The idiom hit the accelerator means to increase speed or intensify activity, often in a figurative sense. It implies taking action quickly and forcefully to achieve a desired outcome.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kick in" means to start or take effect, typically referring to the beginning of a process, action, or reaction.
The idiom "kick in" has several meanings and uses in the English language. Here are the facts about this idiom:
The term "kick in" comes from the verb "kick," which means to strike with the foot.
The idiom "jump the gun" means to do or say something prematurely or before the appropriate time.
Jump the gun is an idiom that means to act prematurely or take action before the appropriate time. The phrase originated in the United States during the early 20th century and is commonly used in everyday language. It can be used in both informal and formal contexts, in spoken and written communication.
The idiom "juice up" means to energize or increase the power, intensity, or excitement of something or someone. It can be used in various contexts, such as charging a device, adding energy to a situation, or even enhancing performance.
The idiom "in the fast lane" means to be living or working at a fast pace, often associated with a busy or exciting lifestyle full of activity and success.
In the fast lane is an idiomatic phrase that originates from the world of driving. Its meaning has been extended to describe the pace and intensity of life or specific activities. The idiom suggests a sense of speed, urgency, and high activity.
The idiom "in high gear" means to be functioning or operating at a very fast or intense pace, usually with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
The idiom "hit it up" means to begin or start something, often with enthusiasm or energy.
The idiom "hit it up" is a popular phrase in American English. It is commonly used in informal contexts and can have multiple meanings depending on the context.
An idiom that means to gain momentum or build up force, often used in the context of a person or group gathering energy or enthusiasm for a task or goal.
The idiom "go at a good clip" is a commonly used expression in American English. It signifies moving or progressing quickly. It can be interpreted as describing someone's efficient and swift ability to work or perform tasks, without unnecessary delays or distractions.
The idiom "give it the gun" means to apply maximum effort or speed to a task or activity.
The idiom "give it the gun" is an expression that is primarily used in informal speech and writing, particularly in American English. It conveys a sense of intensity, force, and speed. The exact origins and etymology of this idiom are uncertain, but it has become popular in casual conversations.
Revving Towards Triumph
The idiom "hit the accelerator" is a widely used expression in American English. It reflects the fast-paced nature of modern society and is often used to describe situations where there is a need for speed or an increase in activity or intensity.
One way to think about this idiom is to consider its relationship to the phrase "speed up." Just as hitting the accelerator increases the speed of a car, when we "speed up" in our work or daily activities, we are moving at a faster pace. It's like putting our foot on the gas pedal and getting things done more quickly and efficiently. So when someone tells us to "hit the accelerator," they are essentially telling us to "speed up" and go faster in whatever we're doing.
Another related idiom is "floor it," which means the same thing as "hit the accelerator" or "speed up." When we "floor it," we are pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, maximizing the engine's power and causing the car to go as fast as possible. This idiom is often used in situations where a sudden burst of speed is needed or when someone wants to emphasize the importance of moving quickly. For example, a coach might tell their team to "floor it" in the final minutes of a game in order to secure a victory. So, just as hitting the accelerator in a car makes it go faster, when we "floor it" in our work or other activities, we are giving it our all and moving forward quickly.
Another similar idiom is "burn rubber." This phrase originated in the world of drag racing, where cars would spin their wheels and create smoke as they accelerated rapidly. When someone tells us to "hit the accelerator" and we respond by "burning rubber," we are really going for it and giving it everything we've got. It's like putting the pedal to the metal and showing off our speed and power. So, when we see someone "burning rubber" in their work or other activities, we know that they are pushing themselves to the limit and moving at a rapid pace.
Lastly, there is the idiom "full speed ahead." This phrase is often used to express a strong sense of forward momentum and determination. When we "hit the accelerator" and go "full speed ahead," we are charging ahead with great energy and enthusiasm. It's like driving a car at full throttle, not holding anything back. So, when someone encourages us to "hit the accelerator," they are really telling us to go "full speed ahead" and give it our all.
The idiom "hit the accelerator" is deeply ingrained in American English and is used to convey a sense of urgency, productivity, and progress. Whether we "speed up," "floor it," "burn rubber," or go "full speed ahead," the message is the same – it's time to move quickly and get things done. So the next time someone tells you to "hit the accelerator," remember the related idioms that convey the same message and put your foot on the gas pedal of productivity and success.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hit the accelerator" can be used in a sentence:
- She hit the accelerator and raced past the other cars on the highway.
- The company decided to hit the accelerator on their marketing campaign to increase sales.
- In order to catch up with the leading team, the coach told his players to hit the accelerator during the second half of the game.
More "Driving" idioms
