# move through the gears

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/move-through-the-gears
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To gradually increase speed or output.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.