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.

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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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of fast lane

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

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

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

A van driver who crashed into a broken-down car in a smart motorway's fast lane has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

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 • Oct. 7, 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

The fence was probably there to keep people from getting onto the highway and doing stupid things—like sledding into the fast lane on snack trays—blit the chain-link was full of big holes.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan