like gangbusters

Idioms  

1. Energetically, forcefully, loudly. For example, This is a soft passage—the horns shouldn't come in like gangbusters. This expression alludes to a popular radio series entitled Gangbusters, which featured explosive sound effects, such as gunfire and sirens, at the beginning of each episode. [Slang; late 1930s]

---

Example Sentences

It’ll play like gangbusters in a crowded theater and you should watch it there to appreciate its excellent use of surround sound.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2025

Stewart Goodyear took off like gangbusters in the Mendelssohn piano concerto — fast, efficient, driving — and put aside elegance for hair-raising thrills.

From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2023

Meanwhile, Exxon has spurned deals in other offshore zones in Brazil that are producing like gangbusters.

From Reuters • Feb. 14, 2022

“The first day we were open, people were in there like gangbusters, much more than usual,” Clark said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2021

So far, it’s worked like gangbusters, as Richard would say.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead