pick up steam
phrase
1
: to become more popular
The idea began to pick up steam around the turn of the century.
2
informal
: to slowly begin to move ahead in a faster and more effective way
The project is slowly picking up steam.
Cite this Entry
“Pick up steam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%20up%20steam. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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