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English
Englishlike a bat out of hell
Meaning: Extremely fast.
Example: “When the alarm went off, he drove out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell.”
Origin: Bats flee light, so one escaping the fires of hell would fly frantically. The phrase is recorded in the early 20th century, possibly from aviators' slang around the First World War, and was popularized again by Meat Loaf's 1977 album.
Equivalents in other languages
Latvian: Kā pliks pa nātrēm Literally: Like a naked man through nettles
Welsh: Rhedeg fel cath i gythraul Literally: To run like a cat to the devil
Portuguese: Tirar o pai da forca Literally: To take your father off the gallows
French: Sur les chapeaux de roues Literally: On the wheel hubcaps- French: À tombeau ouvert Literally: With the tomb open
More English idioms
- have a seat at the table To be included in the discussions where decisions are made.
- find Mr. Right To find the ideal romantic partner.
- shut up shop To close a business, either for the day or for good.
- it doesn't take a rocket scientist Something is easy to understand; no special intelligence is needed.
- do a moonlight flit To leave one's home secretly at night, usually to avoid paying rent or debts.
- twiddle one's thumbs To do nothing while waiting or out of boredom.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Eline sağlık Praise and thanks to someone — especially a cook — for something made beautifully by hand.
- És uma joia You're a gem — a precious, lovely person.
- Sei un salame You're a clumsy, dopey softie — said with a smile.
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