gangbuster

come on strong and come on like gangbusters

to seem aggressive; to impress people initially as very aggressive and assertive. She has a tendency to come on strong, but she's really a softie. The new president comes on strong at first.

See also: come, strong

like gangbusters

with great excitement and speed. (From the phrase "Come on like gangbusters," a radio show that "came on" with lots of noise and excitement.) She works like gangbusters and gets the job done. They are selling tickets like gangbusters.

See also: like

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come on like gangbusters  (American informal)

to start doing something eagerly and with a lot of energy, especially performing or talking to people

Usage notes: Gangbusters was a radio program in the US about police who went after criminals with much energy and success.

In one of his most renowned performances, Cagney comes on like gangbusters as hoodlum Tom Powers.

See also: come, like

come on strong 

1. (informal) to speak to someone in a way that shows you have a strong sexual interest in them Towards the end of the evening he was coming on strong and I knew it was time to leave.

2. (mainly American) to speak to someone in a very angry or threatening way I have to come on strong with some of the guys to get them to cooperate.

See also: come, strong

like gangbusters  (American informal)

very successfully Both books have been selling like gangbusters.

See also: like

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come on strong

1. to act in a forceful way I didn't want to come on too strong, so I tried not to seem angry. The opposition came on strong with rallies and protests and an e-mail campaign.

2. to be popular Animal movies have come on strong again.

See also: come, strong