hand over fist

Meaning: Extremely quickly.

Example: “The ice cream stand was making money hand over fist during the heat wave.”

Origin: Originally nautical, from sailors hauling in a rope quickly, one hand over the other; "hand over hand" is recorded from the 18th century. "Hand over fist" appears in the 19th century and was soon used of making or losing money very fast.

More English idioms

not hold one's breath To not wait for something to happen because it probably won't happen soon, if at all.
hold one's tongue To refrain from speaking.
huff and puff To breathe heavily; or to bluster and make empty threats.
in over one's head Involved in something beyond one's ability to handle.
it's no skin off someone's nose It has no effect on someone or it is of no concern to someone.
keep one's head above water To just barely manage, especially financially or with one's workload.

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