in high gear

in high gear

1. Literally, of a vehicle, operating at a high or the highest gear. The car started to stall going up the hill, and I realized that it was still in high gear.
2. By extension, operating at the highest, fastest, or most efficient level. We've expanded our development team and are in high gear working on our next project. Construction is in high gear all around the city as it prepares for the upcoming Olympics.
See also: gear, high
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*in high gear

 
1. [of a machine, such as a car] set in its highest gear, giving the greatest speed. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~; move [into] ~.) When my car is in highgear, it goes very fast. You can't start out in high gear. You must work up through the low ones.
2. Go to in full swing.
See also: gear, high
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • high gear
  • be as high as a kite
  • set (one's) sights high
  • set your sights high/low
  • (as) high as the sky
  • the heat is on
  • kite
  • (as) high as a kite
  • high as a kite
  • ride high
References in periodicals archive
As the clock on the wall ticked toward the end of the shift, the repair shop was in high gear assembling several molds that had been pulled for scheduled maintenance.
Preventing water leaks: Part III of III
Even when you're planted at homebase, your energy level is in high gear. You receive tons of party invites because you're the girl who gets everybody in the place pumped.
Astrological spectacular! Looking for a sign of things to come? We went to GL's own Lola Starz for the answers! Read on for every little thing you want to know about boys, buds, school and more. It's the cosmic scoop on your fabulous year ahead ..