high gear

noun

1
2
: a state of intense or maximum activity
usually used with into or in
a project in high gear

Examples of high gear in a Sentence

She shifted the car into high gear.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Skirting the Soviet censorship regime At the end of World War II, Soviet censorship shifted into high gear in an effort to suppress a Western culture deemed threatening or decadent. Richard Gunderman, The Conversation, 28 May 2025 So the whole musical theater route was kind of like kicking it into high gear, like really taking performing and singing and music a lot more seriously. Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025 The nation’s largest retailer said it’s already raised prices on some items due to tariffs and that more price hikes are on the way this summer when the back-to-school shopping season goes into high gear. Anne D'innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 At that point Vahid literally shifts into high gear, driving by Eghbal in a van, knocking him out and kidnapping him. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for high gear

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of high gear was in 1889

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Cite this Entry

“High gear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high%20gear. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on high gear

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