move through the gears

move through the gears

To steadily increase one's momentum, as of speed, intensity, progress, or success. Likened to increasing the speed of a geared vehicle, such as a bicycle or car. The home team has been training for weeks for this showdown, but they've barely had to move through the gears against such a poor performance by their opponents. With a lot of hard work and perseverance, our little business is finally starting to move through the gears!
See also: gear, move, through
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • speed up
  • turn of speed
  • a turn of speed
  • clock (someone or something) at (a certain speed)
  • clock at
  • speed merchant
  • speed demon
  • full speed ahead
  • full steam/speed ahead
  • get up to speed