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like gangbusters

Idioms  
  1. Energetically, forcefully, loudly. For example, This is a soft passage—the horns shouldn't come in like gangbusters. This expression alludes to a popular radio series entitled Gangbusters, which featured explosive sound effects, such as gunfire and sirens, at the beginning of each episode. [Slang; late 1930s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He wanted audiences to fall in love with the singular daffiness of his former girlfriend and it worked like gangbusters.

From Los Angeles Times

Because that thing would sell like gangbusters.

From Salon

It worked with Gabin and Tobias, luckily, like gangbusters like right off the bat.

From Los Angeles Times

It’ll play like gangbusters in a crowded theater and you should watch it there to appreciate its excellent use of surround sound.

From Los Angeles Times

The Long Beach port was dedicated in 1911, and like Southern California itself, went like gangbusters.

From Los Angeles Times