in the fast lane

in the fast lane

1. In a very successful position or on the path to a successful outcome. Their revolutionary computer chip suddenly put the small tech company in the fast lane.

2. Engaging in energetic, pleasure-driven, and often risky behavior. He always lived his life in the fast lane, and he ended up dying at a very young age.

See also: fast, lane

*in the fast lane

Fig. in a very active or possible risky manner. (See also life in the fast lane. *Typically: be ~; live ~; move~; Stay ~.) Fred lives in the fast lane. It's lucky he's still alive.

See also: fast, lane

in the fast lane

where life is exciting or highly pressured.

See also: fast, lane

in the ˈfast lane

(informal) the exciting and sometimes risky way of life typical of very successful people: I hear you’ve just been made chief of the Berlin office, Joan. How’s life in the fast lane? OPPOSITE: in the slow lane

The fast lane is the part of a main road such as a motorway, where vehicles drive fastest.

See also: fast, lane