Idioms

going great guns

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go great guns

To do something enthusiastically and successfully. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. He was hesitant at first, but now that he's been on the job for a month, he's going great guns. Once our offense went great guns in the second period, we were able to overwhelm the other team. I'm really impressed that my students have gone great guns to try to solve this mystery.
See also: go, great, gun
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

going great guns

Fig. going fast or energetically. I'm over my cold and going great guns. Business is great. We are going great guns selling ice cream.
See also: going, great, gun
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

great guns, going

Proceeding vigorously. This term comes from British naval slang of the late eighteenth century, when blowing great guns signified a violent wind or storm. Another meaning for great guns, important persons, persisted throughout the nineteenth century, whereas in America the term was also an expletive for astonishment, comparable to “By George!” or “Great Scott!” It is the naval meaning that was transferred into the slangy cliché, however.
See also: going, great
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer
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References in periodicals archive
Aston Villa are going great guns in Men's Division Two after they blitzed Broadway's second string 9-0.
Badminton: Warwicks looking to finish the job
In the afternoon Hassan was going great guns to the turn, out in 34 two better than Rossi's score, but coming home she had two bogeys, just one birdie and six pars in a 38 compared to Rossi's 34.
Storming finish for Hassan nets third spot
Especially at the moment when Boro are going great guns in both the UEFA Cup and FA Cup.
You are warned, Boro
"We are going great guns, winning well and I just don't understand why some fans aren't turning out to support us."
Bumper turnout a must!
F-A-B Thunderballs are going great guns in the first few weeks of the season.
Thunderballs are go-go in the Superleague
But whatever's going on off the field for Jammer, one thing for certain is that he's going great guns with Canterbury Bulldogs.
A great Frown Under
Either way, Sherwood and Tottenham are going great guns at the moment.
WEEK by week, Emmanuel Adebayor [...]
BEDWORTH United might be going great guns at the sharp end of the table but manager Steve Farmer is ready to strengthen his squad in readiness for what he believes is a do or die month for The Oval club.
United boss thinks that Rico is Taylor-made; EVO-STIK ONE CENTRAL
"But it's not a two-horse race because Motherwell are going great guns.
Four teams can finish third
They're going great guns and he's made some good signings," he said.
Dowie is ready to pay back Harry; CHARLTON V PORTSM'TH TODAY 12.45PM
O'Neill said: "Vital Equine has been going great guns at home.
FANTASY COMES TRUE TO STAKE GOLD CUP CLAIMS; RACING: OUR MAN TURNS DOWN A GASTRONOMIC TREAT... PLUS YESTERDAY'S CLASSIC ACTION
"I'd love to play against Colchester because they are going great guns and it will be a big game," said the Scot.
Football: Smith wants to get started
The Great Habton trainer, who has his string in good form, said: "Dazzling Bay is also going great guns and would be in with a good shout for the Wokingham.
Dazzling may lose chance to sparkle in Wokingham
But they are going great guns at the top of National III North this time around.
McCallion's sights on promotion
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