Like a shot
Meaning
To do something very quickly and without any delay.
Origin
The phrase "like a shot" brilliantly captures the raw speed and directness of a projectile fired from a gun. Before cars and planes, the trajectory of a bullet or cannonball was one of the fastest and most impactful forms of motion people encountered. It wasn't just quick; it was an instantaneous launch, propelled with an unstoppable, singular force towards its target. This powerful, explosive image of something rocketing from a firearm quickly embedded itself in everyday language. It became the perfect, punchy metaphor to describe any action performed with extreme swiftness, decisiveness, and without a moment's hesitation, echoing the bullet's own unswerving path once it leaves the barrel.
Examples
- When the teacher announced it was playtime, the children ran out of the classroom like a shot.
- She heard the doorbell ring and went to answer it like a shot, eager to see who was there.