in gear

The phrase "in gear" is used both in mechanical contexts and idiomatically to indicate readiness or proper functioning.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US Voice:
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Voice:

Definition

B2Mechanics

(technical)When gears are engaged, enabling movement or operation.

Example

  • Make sure the car is in gear before you start driving.

B2General

(informal, idiomatic)Being ready or actively working.

Example

  • We need to get in gear if we want to finish this project on time.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in gear":

out of gearlow gearsecond geargear downshift gearsgear upreverse gearfind another gearrunning gearfourth geargear shiftbicycle gearin the groovegear leverin harnessgeed upin stepon trackup to speedat the wheelin stridein tunein the driver's seatin shapewheels are turningin conditionkeyed upsuited and bootedkit outin fighting trimin lineunder wayin syncat speedin it