high gear

1. A state of maximum activity, energy, or force. For example, His mind was in high gear as he studied for the medical exam, or The political campaign is finally moving into high gear. This expression alludes to the high gear of an engine transmission, used at the fastest speeds.

Example Sentences

It was an emotional performance, with Balsom producing a beautifully rounded tone during the slower, languorous movements before switching into high gear for the dazzling pyrotechnics of the closing Rondo.

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I’m glad Reuveni went public, though it didn’t take long for the opposition machinery to kick into high gear against him.

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The shipbuilding pretty much came to an end, and the commercial fishing trade of some thousand vessels that once kept canneries working in high gear has moved elsewhere.

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Eventually, a murder puts things in high gear, and like the sisters, readers will need to ask how much is too much.

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As New Year's resolutions kick into high gear, weight loss goals top many people's lists.

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