gather (a)round (someone or something)
1. To convene or assemble around a particular person or thing. All of the kids eagerly gathered around Santa Claus. Come on, fellas, gather round the campfire! Everyone, gather round—I only want to give these instructions once.
2. To cause people to convene or assemble around oneself or a particular person or thing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "gather" and "(a)round." Santa Claus gathered all of the children around himself to hand out gifts. Please gather everyone around the table for dessert. Once I put out the birthday cake, can you gather the kids around it?
gather a case
To compile evidence that supports an argument or charges against someone or something. The job of the prosecutor is to gather a case to prove that the defendant is guilty. We're trying to gather a case because many employees have been wrongly terminated by the company. I know you're trying to gather a case against Todd, but all the trivial things you're rattling off are just not a big deal to anyone else in the department.
gather dust
To be unused or forgotten, especially for a long period of time. My writing skills have been gathering dust ever since I got this job in the IT department. My grandfather still insists on writing letters by hand, while the laptop I got him gathers dust in the corner of the kitchen. Every time the kids get a new gaming system, the old one is totally forgotten and left to gather dust.
gather in
To bring someone or something in to some place or thing. A noun or pronoun can be used between "gather" and "in." Gather in the kids and I'll get the cake. The CEO's receptionist gathered us in for the meeting. Please gather everyone in for dessert.
gather rosebuds
To act and enjoy oneself now, before one's situation changes. The phrase refers to Robert Herrick's 17th-century poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time," which contains the line, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may." Gather rosebuds now, because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Youth is a fleeting thing, so gather rosebuds while you can. Gather rosebuds in college, because you'll be in the "real world" soon enough, and it's a total drag.
gather steam
To gradually grow in strength, momentum, power, influence, etc. Though few believed that the independence campaign would have a chance of succeeding, lately it's been gathering steam. They've been sluggish in the first half, but the team has finally started gathering steam. Our research project needs to gather steam, and fast, or we won't get funding next semester.
gather together
1. To group together in one place or thing. Gather together in the conference room—Dave will be here in a minute. Everybody, gather together behind the couch so we can jump out and yell "Surprise!" when Mom gets here. We're supposed to gather together in the faculty lounge at 2:00, right?
2. To group someone or something in one place or thing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "group" and "together." Gather the kids together in the playroom, and I'll bring in the cake. I gathered my books together and left the library. Clearly, you've never had to gather toddlers together if you think this is going to be quick or easy!
gather up
1. To collect or assemble certain things. A noun or pronoun can be used between "gather" and "up." Gather up your toys now—it's time for us to leave. I gathered the plates up and brought them into the kitchen. Yeah, I'll come sit with you guys—just let me gather up my library books.
2. To bunch in a particular place, often as of fabric. If you ironed that shirt, the fabric wouldn't gather up like that. Ugh, the hem of my dress keeps gathering up because of this stupid static cling! Did you miss a button? Why else would the fabric gather up like that?
gather way
nautical To begin moving. The ship is gathering way. Do you think we'll be able to outpace the storm? The ship is supposed to gather way any minute now, and we're missing one of our deckies! I'd like to gather way, but I'm afraid there's just not enough wind for sailing right now.
gathering clouds
A sign of impending trouble or danger. (The "clouds" refer to storm clouds.) There have been gathering clouds in the city for months—I'm nervous that a riot will erupt soon. A: "I sense that there are gathering clouds over the C-suite." B: "Me too. I really hope that layoffs aren't on the horizon." There are always gathering clouds at City Hall, it seems.
gathering string
Collecting and assembling details for a story. I have a broad idea of what I want my article to be about, but I'm still in the process of gathering string. If the deadline is tomorrow, you need to stop gathering string and start actually writing! I just know that nosy reporter is gathering string for an exposé about our company!
go gathering orange blossoms
To look for a wife. The phrase refers to the frequent use of orange blossoms as wedding decorations symbolizing the bride's innocence. I'm quite certain that Sir Andrew went to town to go gathering orange blossoms, so we'd best get ready for a wedding! Edgar can go gathering orange blossoms, but we, as his parents, will ultimately get to approve of any lady he chooses. There will be plenty of beautiful ladies at the ball. It would be a fine time to go gathering orange blossoms, you know.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.