fast lane

[fast leyn]

noun

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

2. 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.

fast lane

noun

1. the outside lane on a motorway or dual carriageway for vehicles overtaking or travelling at high speed

2. informal,  the quickest but most competitive route to success

Word History and Origins

Origin of fast lane¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Like Pitt hopping back into blockbuster fare, it must feel good to take a little joyride in the fast lane whenever you want, not having to be burdened by what’s in the rearview mirror.

From Salon

Since announcing their plans in June 2023, Vodafone and Three have insisted that joining forces would "move the UK into the digital fast lane".

From BBC

There was a highway nearby and Scariot was nervous Pickles might zip into the fast lane and get hit by a car.

From Los Angeles Times

If they use that power to favor their own content or content providers that pay them for a fast lane, it’s consumers who suffer.

From Los Angeles Times

Defense attorneys have indicated they plan to question how clearly Henley remembers his dealings with Sanders and the lyric sheets at a time when the rock star was living life in the fast lane himself.

From Seattle Times