Going great guns is an idiomatic expression that means doing something with great speed or success. The phonetic transcription of this phrase is /ɡəʊɪŋ ɡreɪt ɡʌnz/. The first half of the phrase, "going," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, while "great" is pronounced with a long "a" sound. "Guns" is pronounced with a short "u" sound, and the "s" at the end is pronounced as a "z." The spelling of this phrase reflects its archaic origins, when "guns" referred to the sound of a rapid-fire gun.
"Going great guns" is an idiomatic phrase that means to be doing exceptionally well or making rapid progress in a particular endeavor. The expression is often used to describe someone’s impressive performance or the success of a project or situation. It implies that the person or the situation is thriving and achieving remarkable outcomes quickly and effortlessly.
The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the early 18th century when "great guns" referred to the booming sound of artillery and cannons being fired at full force. As such, the term "going great guns" was originally associated with the rapid and powerful firing of guns. Over time, it evolved to signify any vigorous and successful activity.
When used in a conversational context, the phrase conveys enthusiasm, energy, and momentum in the progress being made. It suggests that the individual or the project is excelling beyond expectations, and that everything is proceeding smoothly and at an accelerated pace.
For instance, in a business scenario, someone could say, "Our sales team is going great guns this quarter. We've already exceeded our targets and secured numerous high-profile clients." In this case, the phrase highlights the exceptional performance and excellent results achieved by the sales team.
Overall, "going great guns" is a vibrant expression that vividly underscores outstanding progress, success, and advancement, often implying a high level of achievement and dynamism.