What is the origin of the idiom "at lightning speed" and when to use it?

The idiom "at lightning speed" draws its origin from the natural phenomenon of lightning, which is known for its incredible speed and suddenness. Lightning is one of the fastest and most rapid occurrences in nature, and this phrase likens something to the swiftness and abruptness of a lightning strike. This phrase is used to describe the rapidity and quickness of an action, event, or movement. It emphasizes the astonishingly fast pace at which something is happening.