gather way
The term "gather way" is primarily used in nautical contexts to describe the movement of a ship as it starts to move or gains speed.
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Definition
C2Navigation
(technical, dated)To begin moving or to increase speed, typically referring to a ship.
Example
- The captain ordered the crew to raise the sails so the ship could gather way.
- Once the engines were started, the vessel began to gather way and move out of the harbor.
C2General
(idiomatic)To gain momentum or progress in an activity or process.
Example
- The project started slowly, but it began to gather way as more team members joined.
- As the campaign gathered way, public support grew stronger.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "gather way":