Like a bat out of hell

Meaning

Very fast or reckless.

Usage

Used to describe sudden, frantic action.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Bats flying erratically at high speed.

Common since mid-20th-century slang for speed.