change gear

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change gear

1. Literally, to switch a car, bicycle, or other vehicle into a different gear. You need to change gear if you're going get the car up that steep hill.
2. To move or switch from one thing (such as a task or topic) to another, often quickly. Once our proposal gets approved, we can change gear and focus on the next phase of the project.
See also: change, gear
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

change gear

begin to move or act differently, usually more rapidly.
This expression derives from literally engaging a different gear of a motor vehicle in order to alter its speed. Compare with in gear (with a gear engaged, and so ready for action) and its opposite out of gear . To move up a gear means literally ‘change to a higher gear’; the phrase is often used figuratively to mean ‘put more effort into an activity’.
See also: change, gear
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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References in periodicals archive ?
In Oman we drive on the right with the steering wheel on the left -- so when changing gear we hold the wheel with the left hand and change gears with the right hand.
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The automaker is recalling the vehicles because of persistent low-speed riding that could see the PPTC control module overheat, kicking the ECU into safe mode, preventing the bike from changing gear and resulting in a potential loss of power.
Honda recalls X-ADV
"Darren did a great job changing gear and operating the handbrake, as well as getting the notes out.
Matt bags 2nd after steering problem
In one case the train was over-loaded while in the other accident occurred due to fault in changing gear of the track.
Railway traffic resumed after six hours suspension
The Highway Code says you must be in proper control of your car, both hands on the wheel, and changing gear is also part of the control of the motor, yet drivers drive with a cigarette and no action is taken.
Smoking in car more dangerous
It's like a car changing gear, I feel I am changing gear in my run up after the jump."
Khan on a learning mission; CRICKET
What it all means is that you can just sit back, relax and enjoy riding - without having to worry about changing gear. Honda positions the NC750X within its Adventure category, but really this is in many ways the perfect commuter bike.
Honda's Dual in the crown; AUTO GEARS ARE A CHANGE FOR BETTER; RICHARD HAMMOND
"This is the instant or age between the ball changing possession and each individual changing gear," he wrote.
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By using the innovative Jumpstart machine, potential riders can sit on a Harley revving the accelerator and even changing gear on the rolling road - while staying firmly in one place.
SHOWCASING chrome instead of [...]
My hints and tips are simple, money saving and as easy as changing gear.
Star's drive to cut fuel costs
Helen Northmore, head of Energy Saving Trust commented: "Our tips include things like changing gear sooner and removing unnecessary objects from the car.
Smarter driving tips from DVLA; green SHOOTS
The machine operates on a 2-mode control: fully automatic mode for accelerating smoothly and changing gear speed and a fixed speed mode for low speed irrespective of accelerator operation.
Yanmar
It guarantees maximum comfort for the driver in 'stop and go' situations typical of urban traffic, where you are constantly changing gear to deal with continuous changes in speed.
YOU'LL BE THERE IN ALFA MINUTE! Motors ROAD TEST Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2
The new two-axis CNC lathe, weighing more than 30,000 lb., features a solid single-box bed and a three-step changing gear from a 40/50 hp motor.
OEM Fabricators Inc
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