gain ground

1. gain ground on or upon . Encroach on, advance at the expense of. For example, Door-to-door canvassing helped them gain ground on the opposition .

2. Advance, make progress; also, win acceptance. For example, The new conservation policy is gaining ground among the voters . This expression alludes to a military advance in which an army literally takes territory from the enemy. Its figurative use dates from about 1800. For an antonym, see lose ground .