go great guns

What is the origin of the idiom "go great guns" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "go great guns" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century. One theory is that it comes from the sound of guns being fired with great force and enthusiasm, which would have been a common sound during the era of using guns such as muskets and cannons. When guns were fired quickly and loudly, it may have been described as "going great guns." Another theory suggests that the phrase may have come from the industrial revolution when steam-powered machinery was introduced, and factories began operating at full speed. The sound of machinery operating at full capacity may have been compared to the sound of guns firing, leading to the use of the phrase "going great guns." Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase has been in use for many years and has become a popular idiom for describing situations where someone is making excellent progress or performing exceedingly well.