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Glite Dictionary
like jet fuel

like jet fuel

1 8.4
With very strong energy that makes someone act quickly
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : como si fuera combustible de avión
  • This special fertilizer makes plants grow like jet fuel in a matter of days.

Examples

  • His enthusiasm for the project was like jet fuel, pushing everyone to work harder.

  • If it looks like jet fuel, it is, get it.

  • The new energy drink works like jet fuel to boost your performance during workouts.

Synonyms

strong
vslike jet fuel
∞ 1.0

Very concentrated in taste or effect

is more vivid and extreme than this general sense
overpowering
vslike jet fuel
18 4.6

Very strong and hard to resist, making you feel overwhelmed

is about forceful impact rather than being impossible to resist
on steroids
vslike jet fuel
  • Informal
5 7.7

A way to say something is much stronger and more extreme than usual

is an informal metaphor highlighting greatly increased force or effect
high-energy
vslike jet fuel
  • Specialized
5 4.9

A substance that gives off a large amount of energy when it reacts

is a casual image for intense effect not a technical energy term
turbocharged
vslike jet fuel
1 5.7

Extremely energetic and powerful, making things much more effective

is an informal phrase using a vivid physical image for extreme intensity
supereffective
vslike jet fuel
6.7

Very good at making something work much better than usual

is a vivid informal image focusing on strong striking impact

Antonyms

weak
524 1.0

Not strong in body or muscles and easily tired

ineffective
90 3.4

Not working well enough to give the wanted result

How Powerful

like jet fuel
  • Informal
1 8.4
explosive
233 4.6
powerful
∞ 1.7
mild
107 1.0

Surface Forms

like jet fuel positive

Morphology

like + jet + fuel

This is a straightforward simile: 'like' signals comparison and 'jet fuel' evokes a very powerful energy source, so a learner who knows the constituent meanings can readily infer 'extremely intense or powerful.' The mapping is literal/metaphorical but direct and mirrors common cross-linguistic simile patterns, making it immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Like jet fuel makes you picture pouring jet fuel into an engine or on a fire and getting a sudden, big rush of power. That's why we use it to say something gives 'extremely intense' energy or effect.