fast lane

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The lane on a multi-lane road intended for vehicles traveling faster than the others, especially for overtaking.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'the fast lane' when referring to a specific lane.

   Patterns

   • in the fast lane
   • the fast lane of a road

   She moved into the fast lane to pass the slow truck.

   Driving too slowly in the fast lane can cause accidents.

   The fast lane was closed for repairs, so traffic was heavy.

2. 2nounsingularfigurative

   A way of life or career that is exciting, competitive, and often high-pressure.

   Grammar: Usually used in the phrase 'in the fast lane' to describe a lifestyle.

   Patterns

   • in the fast lane
   • live in the fast lane

   After years in the fast lane, he decided to slow down and move to the countryside.

   The company put her on the fast lane to promotion.

   Many young professionals are attracted to the fast lane of city life.

Word forms

Common combinations

in the fast lane

He spent his twenties in the fast lane, working and partying hard.

move into the fast lane

The car moved into the fast lane to overtake.

life in the fast lane

Life in the fast lane can be exhausting.

the fast lane of the motorway

The fast lane of the motorway was clear.

Synonyms and how they differ

overtaking lane

Used especially in British English for the lane where you pass other vehicles; 'fast lane' is more common in American English.

passing lane

American English term for the lane used for overtaking; similar to 'fast lane' but more specific to passing.

Opposites

Commonly confused: fast lane or fast track?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “fast lane”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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