in gear

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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)

See also: gear

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? References in classic literature
A whole fleet of copper-bottomed barques, as strong in rib and planking, as well-found in gear, as ever was sent upon the seas, manned by hardy crews and commanded by young masters, was engaged in that now long defunct trade. The Mirror of the Sea by Conrad, Joseph View in context The little counting-house reserved for his own occupation, was a room of wood and glass at the end of a long low workshop, filled with benches, and vices, and tools, and straps, and wheels; which, when they were in gear with the steam-engine, went tearing round as though they had a suicidal mission to grind the business to dust and tear the factory to pieces. Little Dorrit by Dickens, Charles View in context Eight as good mares as ever travelled in gears, besides a foal that is worth thirty of the brightest Mexicans that bear the face of the King of Spain. The Prairie by Cooper, James Fenimore View in context More results

References in classic literature

A whole fleet of copper-bottomed barques, as strong in rib and planking, as well-found in gear, as ever was sent upon the seas, manned by hardy crews and commanded by young masters, was engaged in that now long defunct trade.

The Mirror of the Sea by Conrad, Joseph View in context

The little counting-house reserved for his own occupation, was a room of wood and glass at the end of a long low workshop, filled with benches, and vices, and tools, and straps, and wheels; which, when they were in gear with the steam-engine, went tearing round as though they had a suicidal mission to grind the business to dust and tear the factory to pieces.

Little Dorrit by Dickens, Charles View in context

Eight as good mares as ever travelled in gears, besides a foal that is worth thirty of the brightest Mexicans that bear the face of the King of Spain.

The Prairie by Cooper, James Fenimore View in context

More results

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In for a penny,
in for the kill
in force
in front of
in full force
in full swing
in fun

in gear
in general
in glory
in good company
in good conscience
in good faith
in good graces
in good hands

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