What does “Gather steam” mean?
"Gather steam" means to gain momentum or become more powerful or influential.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The protest started small but quickly began to gather steam as more people joined.
Example
The new product launch is expected to gather steam in the coming weeks.
Example
The political campaign is starting to gather steam as more endorsements come in
Is “Gather steam” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Gather steam” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Gather steam” effectively in context?
You can use "gather steam" to describe a situation or event that is gaining momentum or becoming more powerful or influential. It implies that something is starting to pick up speed or attract more attention. For example, if a protest initially has only a few participants but then more people join and it becomes larger and more impactful, you could say, 'The protest started small but quickly began to "gather steam" as more people joined.'
- 1Social Movements
The protest started small but quickly began to gather steam as more people joined.
- 2Product Launch
The new product launch is expected to gather steam in the coming weeks.
- 3Political Campaign
The political campaign is starting to gather steam as more endorsements come in.
Similar phrases to “Gather steam”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Gather steam” come from?
The origin of the phrase "gather steam" is unknown.
Is “Gather steam” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "gather steam" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations or events that are gaining momentum or becoming more influential.
What tone does “Gather steam” have?
"Gather steam" conveys a tone of progress and increasing power. It suggests that something is growing stronger or more impactful over time.
Can “Gather steam” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "gather steam" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The project is starting to gather steam.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "gather steam"!' to imply that something is gaining momentum.
