gain on

gain on (someone or something)

1. To begin to make up the difference between oneself and someone or something, so as to be at an equal level, status, or point of progress. If we speed up, we might be able to gain on the car ahead of us! The senator has led in the polls for most of this election campaign, but his opponent has been gaining on him in the last couple of weeks. The home team enjoyed a 21-point lead at half time, but their opponents have been steadily gaining on them.

2. obsolete To improve one's standing with another person. She is clearly trying to gain on the king's affections, but to what end, I know not. After that stunt you pulled last week, you have a lot of work to do to gain on my trust, son. If Lady Edith dislikes you, good luck gaining on her approval.

See also: gain, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

gain on someone or something

to begin to catch up or move ahead of someone or something. We were gaining on them when they suddenly sped up. Our horse was gaining on the horse in front.

See also: gain, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

gain on

v.

To get closer to something or someone, often in pursuit; close a gap: Run faster—the stampeding cattle are gaining on us!

See also: gain, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.