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

She said the last time she drove in the rain, she was in the fast lane when a car on the opposite side of the freeway splashed water on her windshield, temporarily blocking her view.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

When it comes to encouraging customers to invest for the long haul or live in the fast lane, Rick Wurster says he knows where his brokerage stands.

From The Wall Street Journal

It drifted from the fast lane to the exit lane, and then it rolled down a ramp and into farm country.

From Literature

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

From The Wall Street Journal