shift gears

The phrase "shift gears" can refer to both the mechanical action in vehicles and a metaphorical change in approach or focus.

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Definition

B2Automotive

(technical)To change the gear setting in a vehicle to adjust speed or driving conditions.

Example

When driving uphill, you need to shift gears to maintain power.
He smoothly shifted gears as the car accelerated.

B2General

(idiomatic)To change one's approach or focus in response to new circumstances.

Example

After the feedback, she decided to shift gears and try a different strategy.
The meeting wasn't productive, so we shifted gears to discuss other pressing issues.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shift gears":

gear shift find another gear shift about out of gear second gear in gear reverse gear gear lever gear down low gear fourth gear bicycle gear switch up change up switch engine gear up change tack right shift rev up money shift