Be off like a shot 🏃💨💥

Meaning

To leave or depart very quickly and suddenly.

Origin

Imagine a firearm being discharged. The instant the trigger is pulled, the bullet leaves the barrel with incredible speed and force, traveling in a direct path. This powerful, instantaneous departure is precisely the image the phrase conjures. It materialized in the English language to capture that sudden, unstoppable urge to be elsewhere, a vivid metaphor for immediate and rapid movement, perhaps first uttered by someone witnessing a startling exit or feeling that same urgent impulse themselves.

🕰️🎩 19th century 🦁💪 courage 😮 surprise

Be off like a shot represented with emoji🏃💨💥

This playful sequence functions as a visual exclamation, not just the depiction of movement, but the very essence of swift departure. It teaches the viewer the exhilarating speed of leaving, a burst of energy and a sudden vanishing act, all captured in these three vibrant symbols. Observe how the latter two elements underscore the suddenness and impact of such a hasty exit.

Examples

  • As soon as he heard the ice cream truck, he was off like a shot.
  • When the bell rang for dismissal, the students were off like a shot.
  • The cat saw a laser pointer dot and was off like a shot, chasing it around the room.
  • Upon seeing a magical butterfly with rainbow wings, the dog was off like a shot, barking joyfully.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'be off like a shot' a modern idiom?

No, the phrase 'be off like a shot' has been in use since at least the mid-19th century, suggesting its origins are not modern but likely stemmed from earlier associations with rapid projectile motion.

What's the opposite of 'be off like a shot'?

The opposite of 'be off like a shot' would be phrases indicating slow or reluctant departure, such as 'drag one's feet' or 'be reluctant to leave'.

Can 'be off like a shot' be used humorously?

Yes, 'be off like a shot' can be used humorously to exaggerate someone's sudden departure, often when the urgency isn't truly that great.

Does 'be off like a shot' imply anger?

While the phrase emphasizes speed, it doesn't inherently imply anger; the quick departure could be due to excitement, a sudden realization, or any other compelling reason.

Similar to "be off like a shot"

Bolt like a rabbit
Both phrases capture extreme speed in departure, but 'bolt like a rabbit' evokes a sense of primal, startled panic, unlike the more general suddenness of 'be off like a shot'
Make tracks
Both express a rapid departure, but 'make tracks' is a more casual, almost apologetic way of saying goodbye quickly, implying a need to get going rather than a sudden impulse
Take wing
Both signify a swift exit, but 'take wing' has an almost elegant, ethereal quality, suggesting a release or liberation that 'be off like a shot's' bluntness lacks

Opposite of "be off like a shot"

Linger on
This phrase argues for extending one's presence, the antithesis of a hasty exit, highlighting the value of savoring a moment rather than abandoning it
Drag one's feet
This champions slowness and reluctance, directly opposing the eagerness implied in 'be off like a shot' and suggesting a deliberate, unhurried resistance to departure
Put down roots
This advocates for settling in and establishing oneself, a profound argument against the very idea of sudden departure, emphasizing commitment and permanence over fleeting movement

Related to "be off like a shot"

Clear out
'Clear out' shares the suddenness of 'be off like a shot' but often carries a more forceful or even negative connotation, like being told to leave abruptly
Make a dash for it
Similar to 'be off like a shot' in its sudden burst of speed, 'make a dash for it' often implies a specific goal or escape, adding an element of urgency or determination
Hit the road
This phrase, like 'be off like a shot,' signals departure, but it implies a planned journey rather than a sudden impulse
Scram
Both 'scram' and 'be off like a shot' signify a fast departure, but 'scram' is more informal and sometimes a command, adding a layer of impetuousness or even rudeness