meaning of 'Hot foot'

[Lavva]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #19 "Hot expressions", question 2

As soon as they heard the news, they didn't hesitate and drove hotfoot to the hospital.

(a) very quickly
(b) on horseback
(c) in a sports car
(d) by taxi

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #19 "Hot expressions", answer 2

As soon as they heard the news, they didn't hesitate and drove very quickly to the hospital.

Correct answer: (a) very quickly
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What's the explanation of 'Hot foot'?

Lavva

[Alan]

Hi,

It means literally that you are running very quickly and thereby your feet are getting hot as a result. It has come to mean 'at the greatest possible speed' whatever type of locomotion you are using.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Good Bye Summer