build up a head of steam

To gain momentum or the energy needed to move forward. The protests against the corrupt organization built up a head of steam when the national media started covering the story. You can't make the jump standing still—you'll need to build up a head of steam.

build up a head of steam

1. If someone or something builds up a head of steam, they get enough energy or support to make something happen. Agitation for reform had built up a head of steam sufficient to make it inevitable. Note: Verbs such as work up, produce or gather can be used instead of build up. The campaign is gathering a head of steam. Note: You can also use a head of steam to talk about a situation where there is a lot of support for something. While most MPs still believe an election next year is more likely, there's an increasing head of steam behind November. They need to get a sufficient head of steam to force the Foreign Office to act on their behalf.

2. If someone builds up a head of steam, they gradually become more and more angry, anxious, or emotional about something until they can no longer hide their feelings. She had built up a head of steam while waiting to speak to him. Note: Verbs such as work up or get up can be used instead of build up. Now well into his mid-30s, Elton still manages to work up a head of steam over little things. Note: A steam engine can only work when the steam has reached a particular pressure level.

build up/work up, etc. a head of ˈsteam

develop the energy, enthusiasm or support required to do something: The movement for change has been building up a head of steam and the politicians are starting to listen.

See also: build, head, of, steam, up, work

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

See also:

build up/work up, etc. a head of steam
get up a (full) head of steam
get up a head of steam
a head of steam
full speed/steam ahead!
steam into (some place)
pour on coal
steam in
let off some steam
let off steam

References in periodicals archive

EMILE Heskey has been told to "build up a head of steam" by Martin O'Neill after limping out of recent matches.

"I think you need to build up a head of steam. It's a wee bit like Carew as well.

Heskey's urged to steam ahead

IMPRESSIVE: AirHammer build up a head of steam at the Jailhouse in Much Park Street tonight

Duo create a heavy sound; GO! ROCK

词组	build up a head of steam
释义	build up a head of steam build up a head of steam To gain momentum or the energy needed to move forward. The protests against the corrupt organization built up a head of steam when the national media started covering the story. You can't make the jump standing still—you'll need to build up a head of steam. See also: build, head, of, steam, up Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. build up a head of steam 1. If someone or something builds up a head of steam, they get enough energy or support to make something happen. Agitation for reform had built up a head of steam sufficient to make it inevitable. Note: Verbs such as work up, produce or gather can be used instead of build up. The campaign is gathering a head of steam. Note: You can also use a head of steam to talk about a situation where there is a lot of support for something. While most MPs still believe an election next year is more likely, there's an increasing head of steam behind November. They need to get a sufficient head of steam to force the Foreign Office to act on their behalf. 2. If someone builds up a head of steam, they gradually become more and more angry, anxious, or emotional about something until they can no longer hide their feelings. She had built up a head of steam while waiting to speak to him. Note: Verbs such as work up or get up can be used instead of build up. Now well into his mid-30s, Elton still manages to work up a head of steam over little things. Note: A steam engine can only work when the steam has reached a particular pressure level. See also: build, head, of, steam, up Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. build up/work up, etc. a head of ˈsteam develop the energy, enthusiasm or support required to do something: The movement for change has been building up a head of steam and the politicians are starting to listen. See also: build, head, of, steam, up, work Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary See also: build up/work up, etc. a head of steam get up a (full) head of steam get up a head of steam a head of steam full speed/steam ahead! steam into (some place) pour on coal steam in let off some steam let off steam References in periodicals archive EMILE Heskey has been told to "build up a head of steam" by Martin O'Neill after limping out of recent matches. "I think you need to build up a head of steam. It's a wee bit like Carew as well. Heskey's urged to steam ahead IMPRESSIVE: AirHammer build up a head of steam at the Jailhouse in Much Park Street tonight Duo create a heavy sound; GO! ROCK
随便看	sprain one’s ankle sprang sprawl sprawl about sprawl around sprawl out spray spray on spray-on spray onto spray (someone or something) with (something) spray (something) onto (someone or something) spray with spread spread across (something or some place) spread all over spread all over (something or some place) spread around spread far and wide spread it on thick spread like wildfire spread like wildfire, to spread on spread (oneself) thin spread oneself too thin