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Region: General | Usage example: After a slow morning, the team finally got into gear.

Get into gear

Meaning

Begin working effectively after a slow start.

Usage

Used when productivity picks up.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Automotive metaphor for shifting gears to accelerate.

Used since the early days of automobiles around the 20th century.

Related Idioms

Spring into action

Respond immediately.

Sink your teeth into

Engage deeply with a task or subject.

Out of the fire and into the frying pan

Escape one danger only to land in another.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.