gangbuster

American  

[gang-buhs-ter] / ˈgæŋˌbʌs tər /

noun

Informal.

1. a law-enforcement officer who specializes in breaking up organized crime, often by forceful or sensational means.

2. someone or something having great impact, usually in a positive way.

3. gangbusters, an outstandingly successful state or situation.

   We aren't looking for gangbusters, but we'd like you to pass all your subjects this semester.

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adjective

1. of or like a law-enforcement officer who uses rough, aggressive, or sensational tactics in fighting crime.

   The undercover agents avoided the gangbusters approach.

2. strikingly effective or successful.

   a gangbusters year for compact cars.

3. enthusiastic.

   I'm not gangbusters over the idea.

idioms

1. like gangbusters,  with great speed, intensity, vigor, impact, or success.

   The software market was growing like gangbusters. The hockey team came on at the beginning of the season like gangbusters.

2. go gangbusters,  to be extremely successful.

   The movie went gangbusters.

Etymology

Origin of gangbuster

First recorded in 1935–40; gang ¹ + buster

Example Sentences

Years ago, Moriarty had started her business in the Boston area, and “it was going gangbusters.”

From MarketWatch

Years ago, Moriarty had started her business in the Boston area, and “it was going gangbusters.”

From MarketWatch

The Cboe has just sent out its quarterly U.S.-listed options update, and it confirms what market participants have been experiencing: the sector is going gangbusters.

From MarketWatch

The da Vinci 5 rollout appears to be going gangbusters, pushing up the procedure volumes that bring recurring revenue to the company.

From Barron's

He wanted audiences to fall in love with the singular daffiness of his former girlfriend and it worked like gangbusters.

From Los Angeles Times