like gangbusters
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Vigorously, rapidly, zealously, or forcibly; in a manner which has considerable impact.
Register: colloquial
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Put an actress in knock-out clothes and she'll come through like gangbusters.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “like gangbusters” mean?
Vigorously, rapidly, zealously, or forcibly; in a manner which has considerable impact.
Is “like gangbusters” formal or informal?
like gangbusters is generally colloquial.