fast lane


noun

Also called express lane. the lane of a multilane roadway that is used by fast-moving vehicles, as when passing slower traffic.
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.
Compare fast track.

Origin of fast lane

First recorded in 1965–70

British Dictionary definitions for fast lane

fast lane

noun

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

Idioms and Phrases with fast lane

fast lane

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.