like a demon
4
7.4
- idiom
:
como un demonio
- Melvin runs like a demon.
- work like a demon
- fight like a demon
- walk like a demon
The Queenie united the painter, took up the oars and set off rowing like a demon.
- The Queenie united the painter, took up the oars and set off rowing like a demon.
Examples
-
- Samson's been driving us like a demon.
-
Josh is in eleventh gear on his ten-speed pedaling like a demon for the Becks' house.
Fiction book (2001) -
Over the next year, he pursued his medical studies like a demon.
-
I work like a demon in the gym, though.
Blog text (24) -
You notice how he's suddenly riding like a demon in some races?
Fiction book (1990) -
Eustace had to swim like a demon before rescuing himself.
Fiction book (1998) -
She swept like a demon, and the ties of her house dress flew from side to side.
Fiction book (1995) -
He studied for his exams like a demon, staying up late every night to revise.
-
She ran like a demon to catch the bus before it left the station.
-
The team played like demons, showing remarkable energy and determination throughout the match.
Synonyms
81
3.7
In a very strong way that shows energy or anger
75
7.9
Happening very quickly, with great effort or very strongly
23
6.7
Very strongly and with a lot of energy
13
5.1
In a way that shows very fast, nervous energy because of strong excitement or worry
13
8.1
Act very quickly and with great effort
12
5.6
In a very strong and angry way
8
8.2
Very quickly and with great energy
8
3.0
In a lively and eager way
7
4.9
In a way that shows strong feeling and great enthusiasm
6
8.1
Very quickly and with great success
5
5.4
Doing something with great energy and strong interest
4
7.3
Showing very strong, often angry feelings that seem unreasonable
4
8.6
To a very great degree
2
7.2
With very high energy and little control
1
7.0
Very quickly and in a worried or excited way
1
4.7
With strong, healthy energy and enthusiasm
1
7.6
Act with very strong, urgent energy and full focus
1
9.2
To do something very quickly or with great effort
Very eager and determined to get something
To act quickly and forcefully without stopping
In a wild, frenzied way as if possessed by an evil spirit
In a way that shows great energy, speed, or skill
With very strong, uncontrolled energy and effort
In a wild, fast way with little control
In a very strong, angry, or violent way
In a noisy, energetic way that is hard to control
In a very energetic and excited way
With strong, excited feeling for something
In a way that shows strong feeling and energy
Doing something suddenly and forcefully without thinking because you are very eager
Antonyms
How Energetic
Surface Forms
Morphology
like + a + demon
The simile marker 'like' plus 'demon' yields a manner comparison ("in the manner of a demon"), so the phrase conveys intense, relentless energy as a metaphorical extension of the noun. This is not purely compositional: the intensified, idiomatic sense relies on recognizing the cultural/metaphorical use of 'demon', so a B1 learner who only knows the literal words may not reliably infer the exact meaning without prior exposure.
Etymology
Like a demon comes from the old image of a demon giving a person wild, extra energy, as if they were driven to move very fast. So, to do something like a demon means to do it with 'great energy' or 'strong determination'.