hell-for-leather

[ hel-fer-leth-er ]

adjective

1. characterized by reckless determination or breakneck speed:

   The sheriff led the posse in a hell-for-leather chase.

adverb

1. in a hell-for-leather manner; hellbent:

   motorcycles roaring hell-for-leather down the turnpike.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hell-for-leather¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

This year, however, an unusual set of weather patterns and warm Pacific Ocean waters have short-circuited these normally reliable safeguards and allowed Hurricane Hilary to make its hell-for-leather dash for Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

It was interesting to see Guardiola say their improvement owes in part to running *less* – not always what we hear in these days of hell-for-leather pressing.

From The Guardian

It seems to me that Gehrig was merely getting too old to play hell-for-leather baseball and that the scientists of ailments or advertising gave him a graceful exit.

From Golf Digest

Some of them believe it's time now to go hell-for-leather to leave without an overarching deal but move to make as much preparation as possible, and fast.

From BBC

This hell-for-leather, scurrilously funny thriller is simply dazzling, despite the fact that you’d be hard-pressed to find a line suitable for quoting in a family-minded newspaper.

From Seattle Times