gear (redirected from gearing for)

*in full swing and *in high gear

Fig. at the peak of activity; moving fast or efficiently. (*Typically: be ~; move [into] ~; get [into] ~.) In the summer months, things really get into full swing around here. We go skiing in the mountains each winter. Things are in high gear there in November.

See also: full, swing

*in high gear 

1. [of a machine, such as a car] set in its highest gear, giving the greatest speed. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~; move [into] ~.) When my car is in highgear, it goes very fast. You can't start out in high gear. You must work up through the low ones.

2. Go to in full swing.

See also: high

gear someone or something up (for someone or something)

to prepare someone or something for someone or something. We have to gear up the workers for the arrival of the new manager. We geared ourselves up for Frank, who was coming to lecture to us.

See also: up

gear something to someone or something

to cause something to match something else; to create or adapt something for a specific purpose. Tim geared his speech to his audience. The newspaper geared its language to a fourth-grade reading level.

gear up for someone or something

to get ready for something. We are busy gearing up for Joan's visit next week.

See also: up

get one's ass in gear and get one's tail in gear

Sl. to get moving; to get organized and get started. (Use caution.) Come on, you guys. Get moving. Get your ass in gear!

See also: ass, get

swing into high gear

to begin operating at a fast pace; to increase the rate of activity. During the winter season we swing into high gear around here. The chef swings into high gear around six o'clock in preparation for the theater crowd.

See also: high, swing

---

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

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

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.

See also: get

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, up

---

in full swing

moving quickly forward In Moscow, a building boom is in full swing.

See also: full, swing

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 also in full 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 also switch 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