fast lane

[ fast leyn ]

noun

1. Also called ex·press lane [ik-, spres, leyn]. the lane of a multilane roadway that is used by fast-moving vehicles, as when passing slower traffic.
2. Informal. any scene, activity, or pursuit that is exciting, high-pressured, competitive, swift-moving, and sometimes dissipated or dangerous:

   Alcoholism and stress are often the price for living life in the fast lane.

fast lane

noun

1. the outside lane on a motorway or dual carriageway for vehicles overtaking or travelling at high speed
2. informal.
   the quickest but most competitive route to success

Word History and Origins

Origin of fast lane¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Idioms and Phrases

Also, life in the fast lane . A lifestyle that involves free spending and self-indulgence, and sometimes also dissipation and danger. For example, They're finding that life in the fast lane can be very stressful . This term alludes to the highway express lane used by faster vehicles to pass slower ones. [ Colloquial ; c. 1970] Also see fast track .