like a shot

Idioms and Phrases

Very rapidly, as in When they asked for volunteers, he raised his hand like a shot . This expression alludes to the rapidity of gunfire. [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]

Example Sentences

“Today, former President Trump’s attorneys finished their cross-examination of Stormy Daniels, and they accused her of lying and hawking merchandise for personal gain. Trump was like, ‘This also feels like a shot at me, too.’”

From New York Times

Its lawsuit, then, looks like a shot across the NLRB’s bow.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s this crane shot — it’s like a shot in ‘Gone With the Wind.’

From Los Angeles Times

On the first day, Boomer took off like a shot.

From Seattle Times

I have never said the words, “It’s okay not to be my brother’s primary caretaker,” out loud to myself, so these messages from parents and siblings hit me like a shot of lightning.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• expeditiously
• hastily
• hurriedly
• immediately
• instantaneously
• instantly
• promptly
• rapidly
• speedily
• swiftly