What is the origin of the idiom "in the fast lane" and when to use it?

The phrase "in the fast lane" is believed to have originated in the 1950s, when the term "fast lane" was used to describe the left lane on a highway. The left lane is typically the fastest lane, as it is where cars can travel at higher speeds. The phrase "in the fast lane" has since been adopted by a variety of other contexts, including business, sports, and politics. In these contexts, the phrase is used to describe someone who is moving quickly or successfully in their field.