shift gears

go through the gears

To gain momentum; to get up to speed.

grind one's gears

To annoy or irritate one.

move through the gears

To gradually increase speed or output.

put a shift in

To work hard; to make an effort

seismic shift

A fundamental reorientation of a state of affairs.

shift the dial

To make a significant change or impact in a particular situation or context.

throw a wrench in the gears

Synonym of throw a spanner in the works.