gear (redirected from gearing)

get your arse in gear (very informal!)

to force yourself to start working or to hurry. If she doesn't get her arse in gear she'll be late again.

See also: arse

get your brain in gear (informal)

to make yourself start thinking clearly and effectively. I've got to get my brain in gear for the meeting this afternoon.

See also: brain

get in/into gear

to start to work effectively and with energy. After a few days out of the office it always takes me a while to get into gear when I come back.

move/step up a gear

to start to work or play more effectively or quickly than before. With just five lengths to go, the German swimmer stepped up a gear and edged ahead to win the race.

See also: move, step

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in gear

working well. I'd just awakened and I didn't have my brain in gear yet.

Usage notes: often used in the form get something (back) in gear: Leaders from both sides will meet in Washington in an effort to get peace talks back in gear.

Etymology: based on the idea of an engine with gears (= machine parts that help an engine move or operate a machine or vehicle)

in high gear

at the highest level of operation. Preparations for the convention started weeks ago and are now in high gear.

See also: high

shift gears

to suddenly change what you are doing. I'd like to shift gears now and talk about a personal concern.

Etymology: based on the idea that a vehicle will change speed when you change gears (= machine parts)

See also: shift

switch gears

shift gears

See also: switch