get up steam

1. Prepare to work hard, summon up energy. For example, If we can just get up steam we can finish in no time. This expression alludes to producing enough steam to work an engine. [Early 1800s] Also see under full speed ahead.

Example Sentences

“Numbers that seem small can get up steam pretty quickly,” Cowling says.

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There was no more work to do until about 4 a.m., when we would have to clean the fires and get up steam again.”

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Then turning to his own flag-lieutenant at the other end of the table, he said aloud: 'Get up steam;' and everything was ready for a start in double-quick time.

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Then she'll have to coal, fill her tanks, and get up steam.

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For hours they could not get up steam on board, while they had little coal, and the boats were on the ice.

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