[ti:What Does 'Like Gangbusters' Mean?]
[al:Words and Their Stories]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2024-12-01]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[00:07.76]And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
[00:18.41]With a new project, you may want to start with energy and excitement.
[00:25.84]If that is the case, you could say you want to start like gangbusters.
[00:32.87]To start like gangbusters means you start a project on the right foot - an exciting one! You begin with energy, speed, and attention-getting success.
[00:49.52]Let's hear some examples:
[00:52.08]She works like gangbusters and gets the job done quickly.
[00:57.77]The wildflowers are spreading like gangbusters.
[01:02.58]We can use this expression to describe something that starts with a lot of enthusiasm. 
[01:09.45]It can also mean someone or something is having great effect -- usually in a good way.
[01:18.52]Whatever the attempt is, it is successful.
[01:23.40]To start something like gangbusters can also mean it involved great force or aggressiveness. 
[01:33.49]For example, the partners worked like gangbusters to open their business before their rivals in the city.
[01:42.96]Like gangbusters can simply mean something is growing very fast.
[01:49.41]For example, if the economy is growing like gangbusters, it is growing very fast.
[01:56.78]Sometimes we add the phrasal verb "come on," making the expression to come on like gangbusters.
[02:06.16]The expression to come on like gangbusters can also mean to work hard and in an energetic, forceful manner to get something done.
[02:18.14]Here are some examples:
[02:20.90]When I gave the lesson to my students, they came on like gangbusters to try to solve the mystery.
[02:29.80]The new employee came on like gangbusters during her first few months on the job.
[02:38.89]But why gangbusters?
[02:42.32]As a noun, gangbuster is a term for a law-enforcement officer who breaks up organized crime. Gangbusters often use forceful or aggressive means.
[02:57.14]Word experts say the expression like gangbusters comes from a popular radio show called Gang Busters broadcast in the United States from 1935 to 1957. 
[03:14.26]This crime-fighting radio drama started with a lot of noise and excitement - police sirens, screams, gun fire and exciting music.
[03:27.15]Gangbuster is also an adjective.
[03:29.92]It can describe something that is excellent or successful.
[03:34.96]For example, experts are reporting of a gangbusters housing market in rural areas.
[03:42.77]It can also describe someone who is energetic or eager to do something. 
[03:49.05]For example, if someone asks you to volunteer during the weekend you can say, "I'm not really gangbusters over that idea." 
[04:00.55]However, this usage is not as common as to come on like gangbusters.
[04:07.39]And if you do not want to use gangbusters, you could say you started something with a bang. 
[04:15.00]To start or begin something with a bang means you start in an exciting and noticeable way.
[04:24.59]You can also say to be back with a bang.
[04:28.89]Here's an example using that expression:
[04:32.65]The singer took a year off. But with her new album, she's back with a bang.
[04:40.46]And that's end of this Words and Their Stories. Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.