Like a bat out of hell
adverb
Very quickly.
He ran like a bat out of hell when he saw the police coming.
Often appears as...
- run like a bat out of hell
- drive like a bat out of hell
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
adverb
With great urgency or intensity.
He was working like a bat out of hell to get the project finished on time.
Often appears as...
- work like a bat out of hell
- fight like a bat out of hell
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
adverb
Very quickly.
He ran like a bat out of hell when he saw the police coming.
Often appears as...
- run like a bat out of hell
- drive like a bat out of hell
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
adverb
With great urgency or intensity.
He was working like a bat out of hell to get the project finished on time.
Often appears as...
- work like a bat out of hell
- fight like a bat out of hell
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Metaphor
The phrase uses the imagery of a frightened bat fleeing suddenly and rapidly, often picturing a desperate escape.
When his name was called for the audition, Jake shot out of his seat like a bat out of hell.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Power
Considered informal, best used among friends or in casual settings, not in formal writings or speeches.
The kids raced like a bat out of hell as the bell rang for recess.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Hyperbole
The idiom is exaggerative, so use it for effect, not as a literal description of speed.
She grabbed her phone and left the cafe like a bat out of hell when she realized the time.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Metaphor
The phrase uses the imagery of a frightened bat fleeing suddenly and rapidly, often picturing a desperate escape.
When his name was called for the audition, Jake shot out of his seat like a bat out of hell.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Power
Considered informal, best used among friends or in casual settings, not in formal writings or speeches.
The kids raced like a bat out of hell as the bell rang for recess.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Hyperbole
The idiom is exaggerative, so use it for effect, not as a literal description of speed.
She grabbed her phone and left the cafe like a bat out of hell when she realized the time.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Metaphor
The phrase uses the imagery of a frightened bat fleeing suddenly and rapidly, often picturing a desperate escape.
When his name was called for the audition, Jake shot out of his seat like a bat out of hell.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Power
Considered informal, best used among friends or in casual settings, not in formal writings or speeches.
The kids raced like a bat out of hell as the bell rang for recess.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Hyperbole
The idiom is exaggerative, so use it for effect, not as a literal description of speed.
She grabbed her phone and left the cafe like a bat out of hell when she realized the time.
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