VOA · Words and Their Stories
Advanced · C1learner speed5:052024-11-27public domain
Words and Their Stories is VOA's classic program about American English expressions and idioms — where phrases like 'break the ice' come from and how to use them. Native-like idioms in slow, clear speech: a rare combination for learners.
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01And now, words and their stories from VOA Learning English.
02With a new project, you may want to start with energy and excitement.
03If that is the case, you could say you want to start like gangbusters.
04To start like gangbusters means you start a project on the right foot, an exciting one.
05You begin with energy, speed, and, sometimes, attention-getting success.
06Let's hear some examples.
07She works like gangbusters and gets the job done quickly.
08The wildflowers are spreading like gangbusters.
09We can use this expression to describe something that starts with a lot of enthusiasm.
10It can also mean someone or something is having great effect, usually in a good way.
11Whatever the attempt is, it is successful.
12To start something like gangbusters can also mean it involves great force or aggressiveness.
13For example, the partners worked like gangbusters to open their business before their rivals in the city.
14Like gangbusters can simply mean something is growing very fast.
15For example, if the economy is growing like gangbusters, it is growing very fast.
16Sometimes we add the phrasal verb, come on, making the expression to come on like gangbusters.
17The expression to come on like gangbusters can also mean to work hard and in an energetic, forceful manner to get something done.
18Here are some examples.
19When I gave the lesson to my students, they came on like gangbusters to try to solve the mystery.
20The new employee came on like gangbusters during her first few months on the job.
21But why gangbusters?
22As a noun, gangbuster is a term for a law enforcement officer who breaks up organized crime.
23Gangbusters often use forceful or aggressive means.
24Word experts say the expression, like gangbusters, comes from a popular radio show called Gangbusters, broadcast in the United States from 1935 to 1957.
25This crime-fighting radio drama started with a lot of noise and excitement.
26Police sirens, screams, gunfire, and exciting music.
27Gangbuster is also an adjective.
28It can describe something that is excellent or successful.
29For example, experts are reporting a gangbusters housing market in rural areas.
30It can also describe someone who is energetic or eager to do something.
31For example, if someone asks you to volunteer during the weekend, you can say, Hmm, I'm not really gangbusters over that idea.
32However, this usage is not as common as to come on like gangbusters.
33And if you do not want to use gangbusters, you could say you started something with a bang.
34To start or begin something with a bang means you start in an exciting and noticeable way.
35You can also say to be back with a bang.
36Here's an example using that expression.
37The singer took a year off.
38But with her new album, she's back with a bang.
39And that's the end of this Words and Their Stories.
40Until next time, I'm Ana Mateo.
41The End of the Words and Their Stories The End of the Words and Their Stories The End of the Words and Their Stories The End of the Words and Their Stories The End of the Words and Their Stories The End of the Words and Their Stories The End of the Words and Their Stories
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