Jun 2, 2021

Idiom: Gain Ground



Let's cover some ground.

Idiom: gain ground, v. phr.

Definition

To make progress; to win acceptance. Opposite: lose ground.

Example Sentences

→ The mayor’s development plan is gaining ground among voters.

→ Our company still leads in the market, but others are gaining ground on us (= catching up).

→ We are gaining ground in some markets but losing ground in others.

Notes

This idiom refers to a military advance, when an army literally takes over (gains) control in an area (ground). The phrase was used figuratively as early as 1625:  "But in fearefull Natures, they [sc. suspicions] gaine Ground too fast."  

The idiom gain ground is intermediate- to advanced-level vocabulary. It is useful in business English, marketing, politics, and talking about trends in society.




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