move through the gears
To gradually increase speed or output.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The runner began to move through the gears as the race continued.”
“The team started the game slowly, but they began to move through the gears in the second half to secure the win.”
“As the project deadline approached, the team moved through the gears, increasing their output and focus to ensure everything was completed on time.”
- 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
bust a move
To dance.
- 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 gear
A maximal level of effort.
- 06
gear up
To prepare for an activity.
- 07
get a move on
To hurry up, to get moving.
- 08
get moving
To start hurrying to undertake a task.
Last updated August 10, 2026