high gear

noun

1

: high sense 3b

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

Meek, a 10-year-old Black girl, is grappling with her fears of nuclear Armageddon as more prosaic domestic concerns kick into high gear. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

As America's birthday celebrations kick into high gear, so too do criticisms of the preeminent national group organizing them, Freedom 250. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 July 2026

Three Democratic incumbents have now lost to progressive challengers as midterms season kicks into high gear. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

The rumor mill will kick into high gear about where James’ next destination could be. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for high gear

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir