fast lane

American  

[fast leyn] / ˈfæst ˌleɪn /

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 British  

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

---

fast lane Idioms  

1. 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of fast lane

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fast lane

“AI in the fast lane, Middle East in the slow lane.”

From Barron's ● May 8, 2026

For years, Clear has been the fast lane through airport security—an extra layer of insurance for making a flight.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026

Get in the fast lane if you want to go faster!

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2025

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 ● Jun. 30, 2025

“Not exactly a job description,” Ray says as we shoot along in the fast lane listening to R&B music, which thrums through the floor.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko