1.
headlong; straight ahead; at full speed
Moving directly toward something without hesitation or deviation, often with great speed or single-minded determination.
An expressive adverb conveying rapid, unwavering forward movement toward a goal or destination. It can describe both physical motion (running straight ahead) and figurative pursuits (chasing a dream or heading for disaster). Often used with the particle に.
Common collocations
- まっしぐらに走る: to run straight ahead
- まっしぐらに進む: to advance headlong
- まっしぐらに向かう: to head straight toward
- 破滅にまっしぐら: heading straight for ruin
- 成功にまっしぐら: heading straight for success
Usage
Often used for animals (especially cats drawn to food, a well-known image in Japanese) and for people pursuing goals with single-minded focus. Can have a positive nuance (determination) or negative nuance (recklessly heading for trouble).