What does “Move up a gear” mean?
"Move up a gear" means to increase one's effort or intensity in order to achieve better results or progress.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I need to move up a gear if I want to finish this project on time.
Example
After a slow start, the team decided to move up a gear and push harder.
Example
She realized she needed to move up a gear in her training if she wanted to win the race
Is “Move up a gear” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Move up a gear” 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 “Move up a gear” effectively in context?
You can use "Move up a gear" to encourage someone to increase their effort or intensity in order to achieve better results or progress. For example, if a friend is struggling to meet a deadline, you might say, 'You need to move up a gear if you want to finish this on time.'
- 1Work
The project was behind schedule, so the team decided to move up a gear and work extra hours to catch up.
- 2Sports
She realized she needed to move up a gear in her training if she wanted to improve her performance.
- 3Personal Development
To achieve her goals, she knew she had to move up a gear and put in more effort.
Similar phrases to “Move up a gear”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Move up a gear” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Move up a gear" is unknown.
Is “Move up a gear” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Move up a gear" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to increase their effort or intensity to achieve better results.
What tone does “Move up a gear” have?
"Move up a gear" conveys a tone of motivation and determination. It's often used to inspire someone to push harder and strive for improvement.
Can “Move up a gear” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "move up a gear" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of increasing effort or intensity. 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's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He needs to move up a gear and work harder.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "move up a gear"!' to imply the need for increased effort.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- increase one's effort
- raise one's intensity
- up one's game
- put in more effort
- push harder
Antonyms
- take it easy
- relax
- slow down
- ease off
- lower one's intensity
