What it means
Instantly and eagerly, off before you've even finished the sentence. You take an offer or bolt out the door like a shot when there's not a flicker of doubt and you're not hanging about.
Usage examples
"Offered him a lift to the match and he was out the door like a shot, coat half on."
"Offer her free tickets and she will be there like a shot."
"The dog was out the door like a shot the moment it heard the lead jingle."
"Mentioned there were free pints at the pub and Dave was there like a shot."
"Mum asked who wanted the last bit of cake and the kids' hands were up like a shot."
Where it comes from
It comes from the image of a gunshot or fired bullet shooting off at speed. In English, that picture has long been used for anything done instantly, and like a shot grew into a common way to say someone moved or agreed straight away, often with a bit of eager energy too.
Other ways to say it
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