Definition

Adverb: At a very fast, reckless, or breakneck speed; with maximum effort and urgency.

Usage

This adverb describes the manner of an action, specifically movement or effort, performed with extreme speed and often a sense of desperation or disregard for caution. It is typically used in informal contexts.

Examples

• The riders galloped across the open field.
• When the alarm sounded, they ran for the exits.
• He's been working to finish the project on time.

Advanced Usage

The phrase is almost always used in the fixed adverbial form "hell-for-leather." It is hyphenated when used before a noun (as a compound modifier) and often hyphenated in its standard adverbial form.

• They made a dash for the finish line. (Compound modifier)
• The phrase evokes imagery of urgent, all-out effort, often in a chase or race.

Variants and Related Words

• Hell-bent (adjective): Recklessly determined to do something.
  • He was hell-bent on winning.

Synonyms

• At full tilt
• At breakneck speed
• Full speed ahead
• Headlong
• Posthaste
• Like a bat out of hell (idiomatic)

Related Idioms

• Like greased lightning: Extremely fast.
  • He took off like greased lightning.
• At full pelt: Running or moving as fast as possible.
  • The dog ran at full pelt.

Adverb

1. at breakneck speed
   • they were travelling hell-for-leather