# gear up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gear-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to get ready for an activity or event that is about to happen. You use this when you are preparing your tools, your team, or even your mind for a big challenge.

For teachers: to prepare for a forthcoming activity, event, or challenge. The verb is typically used intransitively or followed by the preposition 'for' to specify the objective.

## Examples

- The team is gearing up for the championship final this weekend.
- Retailers are already gearing up for the holiday season by hiring extra staff and stocking their warehouses.
- International aid agencies are gearing up for a massive relief operation following the devastating earthquake in the coastal region.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am gearing up my final exams." but "I am gearing up for my final exams." — the preposition 'for' is required to connect the verb to the event or challenge you are preparing for.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by 'for' when mentioning the specific event you are preparing for.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'prepare' to show how 'gear up' implies a more active or resource-heavy preparation phase.

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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.