Like gangbusters Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫaɪk/ /ˈɡæŋˌbəstɝz

LYKE GANG-buhs-terz

UK

lˈaɪk/ /ɡˈæŋbʌstəz

LYKE gang-BUS-tuhz

Definition

Very quickly, forcefully, or successfully. When something happens "like gangbusters," it happens with a lot of energy and noticeable impact.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and energetic, usually for describing impressive speed or big success. Common in American English, often after action verbs ('came on like gangbusters', 'selling like gangbusters'). Not literal—does not relate to criminal gangs.

• Spanish: a toda máquina - muy rápido y con éxito
• Portuguese (BR): a todo vapor - com tudo - com grande sucesso
• Portuguese (PT): a todo o gás - com grande sucesso
• Chinese (Simplified): 非常猛烈地 - 非常成功地
• Chinese (Traditional): 非常猛烈地 - 非常成功地
• Hindi: बहुत तेज़ी और सफलता से
• Arabic: بشكل مذهل - بسرعة ونجاح كبير
• Bengali: দারুন দ্রুত ও সফলভাবে
• Russian: как безумно - очень быстро и успешно
• Japanese: ものすごい勢いで - 大成功で
• Vietnamese: rất mạnh mẽ - rất thành công
• Korean: 엄청나게 빠르게 - 크게 성공적으로
• Turkish: tam gaz - büyük başarıyla
• Urdu: انتہائی تیزی اور کامیابی سے
• Indonesian: dengan luar biasa - sangat sukses

Example Sentences

The new store opened like gangbusters.

basic

Sales are going like gangbusters this month.

basic

The campaign took off like gangbusters.

basic

Our product launch went like gangbusters—we sold out in a week!

natural

The new band started playing like gangbusters at their first gig.

natural

After a slow start, the project suddenly moved like gangbusters.

natural