like mad
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb 1. With great intensity, speed, or effort: Used to emphasize that an action is done with extreme energy, urgency, or force.
Usage
The phrase "like mad" is an informal adverb used to modify a verb. It describes performing an action very quickly, very hard, or with a lot of energy. It is often used for dramatic or humorous effect.
Examples
- (She packed with great urgency and speed.)
- (They worked with extreme effort.)
- (The dog ran with great speed and energy.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is highly idiomatic and informal. It is common in spoken English and casual writing but is not typically used in formal contexts.
- It can sometimes imply a sense of frenzy or lack of control due to the intensity of the action.
Variants and Related Words
- Like crazy: A very common synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- He was typing like crazy to finish his essay.
- Like hell: An even more informal and emphatic synonym, sometimes expressing frustration.
- I had to pedal like hell to get up the hill.
Synonyms
- Frantically: In a hurried, excited, or chaotic manner.
- Furiously: With great energy, speed, or anger.
- Intensely: With extreme force or strength.
Related Idioms
- Work/run/fight like the devil: An idiom with a very similar meaning, emphasizing tremendous effort or speed.
- He fought like the devil to win the match.
Adverb
- with great speed or effort or intensity
- drove like crazy
- worked like hell to get the job done
- ran like sin for the storm cellar
- work like thunder
- fought like the devil