He finally shifted into fourth gear to finish his work.
fourth gear
idiomA maximal level of effort.
Origin
disputed originThe figurative sense reflects that in some times and places, fourth gear was the highest gear that a car could achieve; compare French en quatrième vitesse.
With the deadline only an hour away, the team shifted into fourth gear to complete the project.
Recognizing that the competition was closing the gap, the athlete shifted into fourth gear and sprinted toward the finish line.
- 01
all the gear and no idea
Having high-quality, expensive equipment for a risky or difficult activity, without any of the requisite knowledge.
- 02
break the fourth wall
To apparently communicate with reality directly, such as when characters of literature comment on the existence of a reader.
- 03
click into gear
To start to perform effectively or to progress
- 04
find another gear
To suddenly achieve an extra burst of athletic performance, especially after a sustained period of competitive exertion.
- 05
fourth estate
Journalism or journalists considered as a group; the press.
- 06
fourth wall
The imaginary invisible wall at the front of the stage in a proscenium theatre, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play.
- 07
gear up
To prepare for an activity.
- 08
get one's ass in gear
To exert effective effort; to get going; to get moving; to start producing.