like a house afire

like a house afire

Very quickly or rapidly and with great force or intensity. Out of nowhere, this crazed bull started charging at us like a house afire! John hit the acceleration and started careering down the road like a house afire. I can't wait for you to meet Mark. I just know the two of you will get on like a house afire!
See also: afire, house, like
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

like a house afire

see under get along, def. 1.
See also: afire, house, like
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • like a house on fire
  • out of nowhere
  • come out of nowhere
  • like a house
  • set afire
  • storm out of the blocks
  • storm out of the traps
  • swing into action
  • ratchet up
  • fly out of the traps
References in classic literature
Here he came, like a house afire; I dodged: he passed like a flash, with my horse-hair coils settling around his neck; a second or so later, FST!
Connecticut Yankee
If you hate public restrooms, touching elevator buttons or doorknobs, and go through Purell like a house afire, then GERM FREAK'S GUIDE TO OUTWITTING COLDS AND FLU: GUERILLA TACTICS TO KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY AT HOME, AT WORK AND IN THE WORLD defines you.
The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu: Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work, and in the World