gain ground
gain ground
1. To advance toward a desired location. We need to start gaining ground if we want to get back to camp before sunset. The enemy forces are beginning to gain ground, and they're expected to reach the capital sometime tomorrow.
2. By extension, to make progress or obtain more success, popularity, importance, or acceptance. The opposition to vaccinating children, while still a definite minority, has been gaining ground in recent years. No one thought our fast food chain would do well in such a saturated market, but we've started gaining ground!
See also: gain, ground
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
gain ground
to make progress; to advance; to become more important or popular. Our new product is gaining ground against that of our competitor. Since the government announced its new policies, the opposition has been gaining ground.
See also: gain, ground
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
gain ground
1. Advance, make progress; also, win acceptance. For example, The new conservation policy is gaining ground among the voters. This expression alludes to a military advance in which an army literally takes territory from the enemy. Its figurative use dates from about 1800. For an antonym, see lose ground.
2. gain ground on or upon . Encroach on, advance at the expense of. For example, Door-to-door canvassing helped them gain ground on the opposition.
See also: gain, ground
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
gain ground
COMMON If something or someone gains ground, they make progress and become more important or more powerful. His ideas on nutrition have been gaining ground in recent years. The pound has gained ground on the foreign exchanges this morning. At the time, the Fascists were still steadily gaining ground in the East End. Compare with lose ground.
See also: gain, ground
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
gain ˈground
1 (of soldiers) move forward in a battle: Our men began to gain ground, forcing the enemy back towards the river.
2 (of an idea, development, etc.) become more popular or successful: Diesel cars seem to be gaining ground because they are cheaper to run.
See also: gain, ground
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
gain ground
To progress, advance, or increase: Stock prices gained ground yesterday.
See also: gain, ground
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- under control
- a stepping stone
- be under control
- along the right lines
- an embarrassment of riches
- wishcast
- wishcasting
- be under par
- can’t win em all
- you can't win them all