fast track

¹

noun

1. a racetrack dry and hard enough for optimum speed.

2. a railroad track for express trains.

3. Informal.,  a situation or course of action that is intensely pressured or competitive, especially one in which a person advances rapidly to a higher level in a business or profession.

   With two promotions in six months, he seems to have chosen the fast track.

fast-track

²

[fast-trak, fahst-]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to advance or develop rapidly.

adjective

1. of or relating to the fast track.

fast-track

adjective

1. denoting the quickest or most direct route or system

   fast-track executives

   a fast-track procedure for libel claims

verb

1. (tr) to speed up the progress of (a project or person)

Other Word Forms

• fast-tracker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fast-track¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on a / the fast track,

   1. advancing or being promoted more rapidly than usual, especially in business or other organizational positions.

      an executive on the fast track.

   2. expanding or being developed or handled rapidly and often innovatively.

      a company on the fast track in computer technology.

A situation involving high pressure, competition, and, especially, rapid success or advancement. For example, He was definitely on a fast track, becoming a partner after only five years in the firm, or This company was on the fast track in software development. This term alludes to a dry, hard horse track that enables horses to run at high speeds. [Colloquial; mid-1960s] Also see fast lane.

Example Sentences

But she was “feeling increasingly helpless,” she later said, until she had the idea that would finally put her project on the fast track.

From Salon

In this campaign, both the Liberals and Conservatives have promised to fast track "energy corridors", though Carney has flip-flopped on his support for pipelines, knowing they are deeply unpopular with environmentalists.

From BBC

The move was a major turning point for Perino, as standing behind the lectern in the White House briefing room has long been a fast track to a TV news job.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the plans, EU countries would be able to fast track people coming either from safe countries or countries from which a maximum of one in five applicants are given protection.

From BBC

So far, he hasn’t met any serious roadblocks and is on the fast track to opening for business.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accelerate 
• assist 
• facilitate 
• hasten 
• promote 
• quicken 
• speed 
• urge