step on the gas

idiom

: to suddenly press down on the accelerator pedal of a vehicle to drive at a higher speed
Step on the gas, they're getting away!

Examples of step on the gas in a Sentence

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.
Anthropic, backed by Google parent Alphabet and Amazon, continues to step on the gas in a bid to take first position in the nascent AI race. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025 The dynamic is on full display as the Justice Department declines to step on the gas to return Abrego Garcia. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 12 Apr. 2025 Proceed carefully to see what works, then step on the gas if an AI application looks promising. Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Focused rage can topple institutions, demolish ideologies, rally revolutions, step on the gas of progress or simply destroy us all. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024 But the situation has led anxious Democrats, including some inside the campaign itself, to privately and publicly prod Mr. Biden to step on the gas. Katie Rogers, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2024 In one memorable scene, Lorenzo offers Antoine a ride home when the latter’s truck breaks down, only to step on the gas every time Antoine tries to climb in. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2023 Netflix needs to find ways to pump the brakes and step on the gas at the same time. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Step on the gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20on%20the%20gas. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!