Definition

Adverb 1. At a very high speed; extremely fast or intensely: This phrase is an informal, emphatic idiom used to describe moving or acting with great urgency, force, or noise. It often implies a sense of haste, commotion, or vigorous effort.

Usage

This phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, typically following a verb of motion or action. It is used in informal, often colloquial, contexts to add dramatic emphasis. * It describes rapid movement: He ran like blue murder. * It can describe performing an action with great intensity or noise: She was shouting like blue murder.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • When the alarm sounded, they all bolted from the building like blue murder.
  • The car sped down the highway like blue murder.
  • My neighbor's dog barks like blue murder every time the postman arrives.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in past narratives to vividly describe a scene of rapid escape or frantic activity.
  • He shot out of the gates like blue murder the moment the bell rang.

Variants and Related Words

• Flat out (adverb): Using all one's strength or speed; at maximum effort or velocity.
  • He was running flat out to catch the train.
• At full tilt (adverb): At maximum speed or energy.
  • The project is moving ahead at full tilt.

Synonyms

• Very fast
• At top speed
• Hell for leather (informal)
• At a breakneck pace

Related Idioms

• Like a bat out of hell: Moving extremely fast.
  • He drove off like a bat out of hell.
• Like the clappers (British informal): Very fast or hard.
  • She was typing like the clappers to finish the report.

Adverb

1. at top speed
   • he ran flat out to catch the bus
   • he was off down the road like blue murder