What Does ‘Like Gangbusters’ Mean? - November 27, 2024

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1. 0:08And now, words and their stories from VOA Learning English.
2. 0:20With a new project, you may want to start with energy and excitement.
3. 0:26If that is the case, you could say you want to start like gangbusters.
4. 0:33To start like gangbusters means you start a project on the right foot.
5. 0:38An exciting one!
6. 0:42You begin with energy, speed, and, sometimes, attention-getting success.
7. 0:50Let's hear some examples.
8. 0:53She works like gangbusters and gets the job done quickly.
9. 0:58The wildflowers are spreading like gangbusters.
10. 1:03We can use this expression to describe something that starts with a lot of enthusiasm.
11. 1:10It can also mean someone or something is having great effect, usually in a good way.
12. 1:19Whatever the attempt is, it is successful.
13. 1:24To start something like gangbusters can also mean it involves great force or aggressiveness.
14. 1:34For example, the partners worked like gangbusters to open their business before their rivals in the city.
15. 1:44Like gangbusters can simply mean something is growing very fast.
16. 1:50For example, if the economy is growing like gangbusters, it is growing very fast.
17. 1:57Sometimes we add the phrasal verb, come on, making the expression to come on like gangbusters.
18. 2:07The expression to come on like gangbusters can also mean to work hard and in an energetic,
19. 2:15forceful manner to get something done.
20. 2:18Here are some examples.
21. 2:26to try to solve the mystery.
22. 2:30The new employee came on like gangbusters during her first few months on the job.
23. 2:39But why gangbusters?
24. 2:43As a noun, gangbuster is a term for a law enforcement officer who breaks up organized crime.
25. 2:52Gangbusters often use forceful or aggressive means.
26. 2:56Word experts say the expression,
27. 3:00like gangbusters, comes from a popular radio show called Gangbusters,
28. 3:06broadcast in the United States from 1935 to 1957.
29. 3:14This crime-fighting radio drama started with a lot of noise and excitement.
30. 3:20police sirens, screams, gunfire, and exciting music.
31. 3:27Gangbuster is also an adjective.
32. 3:31It can describe something that is excellent or successful.
33. 3:35For example, experts are reporting a gangbuster's housing market in rural areas.
34. 3:43It can also describe someone who is energetic or eager to do something.
35. 3:48For example, if someone asks you to volunteer during the weekend,
36. 3:54you can say, Hmm, I'm not really gangbusters over that idea.
37. 4:00However, this usage is not as common as to come on like gangbusters.
38. 4:08And if you do not want to use gangbusters, you could say you started something with a bang.
39. 4:16To start or begin something with a bang means you start in an exciting and noticeable way.
40. 4:26You can also say to be back with a bang.
41. 4:30Here's an example using that expression.
42. 4:33The singer took a year off, but with her new album, she's back with a bang.
43. 4:42And that's the end of this Words and Their Stories.
44. 4:45Until next time, I'm Ana Mateo.