What does “Step up a gear” mean?
"Step up a gear" means to increase one's effort or performance.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I need to step up a gear if I want to finish this project on time.
Example
After a slow start, the team stepped up a gear and won the game.
Example
Her promotion motivated her to step up a gear and take on more responsibilities
Is “Step up a gear” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Step 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 “Step up a gear” effectively in context?
You can use "Step up a gear" to encourage someone to increase their effort or performance. It implies the need to work harder or be more productive. For example, if a colleague is slacking off on a project, you might say, 'We're running out of time, we need to step up a gear and get this done.'
- 1Work
The team was falling behind schedule, so they decided to step up a gear and put in extra hours to meet the deadline.
- 2Sports
After a slow start, the team stepped up a gear and scored three goals in quick succession.
- 3Personal Development
Her promotion motivated her to step up a gear and take on more responsibilities.
Similar phrases to “Step up a gear”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Step up a gear” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Step up a gear" is unknown.
Is “Step up a gear” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Step up a gear" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to increase their effort or to express their own determination to improve their performance.
What tone does “Step up a gear” have?
"Step up a gear" conveys a tone of motivation and urgency. It's often used to push someone to work harder or to express a desire to improve and achieve better results.
Can “Step up a gear” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "step 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 performance. 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, 'I need to step up a gear and finish this project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "step up a gear"!' to imply the need for increased effort.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- take it up a notch
- up one's game
- increase the intensity
- raise one's performance
- elevate one's effort
Antonyms
- take it easy
- lower the bar
- ease up
- slack off
- decrease the intensity
