lose ground
To lose a previously held advantage or lead. His terrible performance in the debate caused him to lose ground to his opponent. I'm worried that we're losing ground in our bid to host the next Olympics. Scientists continue to warn that we're losing ground in the race to reduce climate change.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
give ground
1. Lit. to retreat, yielding land or territory. I approached the barking dog, but it wouldn't give ground.
2. Fig. to "retreat" from an idea or assertion that one has made. When I argue with Mary, she never gives ground.
lose ground (to someone or something)
to fall behind someone or something. I am losing ground to Wendy in the sales contest. We were losing ground to the opposite team in our quest for the trophy.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
give ground
Yield to a stronger force, retreat, as in He began to give ground on that point, although he didn't stop arguing entirely. This expression originated in the 1500s, when it alluded to a military force retreating and so giving up territory to the enemy. By the mid-1600s it was being used figuratively.
lose ground
Fail to hold one's position; fall behind, deteriorate. For example, The Democrats were losing ground in this district, or We thought Grandma was getting better, but now she's quickly losing ground. This expression originally referred to territory lost by a retreating army. [Second half of 1700s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
lose ground
COMMON If someone or something
loses ground, they lose some of the power or advantage that they had previously.
There is no doubt that the city has lost ground in the race to establish itself as a financial centre for Europe. The Socialists lost ground in some areas such as the Cote d'Azur and parts of the Languedoc. Compare with
gain ground.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
give/lose ˈground (to somebody/something)
allow somebody/something to obtain more power, influence, etc. than yourself: The government has lost ground to the opposition, according to the opinion polls.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
give ground
To yield to a more powerful force; retreat.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.