top gear

[top geer]

noun

1. the position or arrangement of parts in an automobile’s transmission that allows for the greatest speed and efficiency; the highest available gear in an automobile.

   The automatic transmission has six speeds, enough to furnish fast, serene cruising in top gear.

top gear

noun

1. Often shortened to: top. the highest gear in a motor vehicle

Word History and Origins

Origin of top gear¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in / into top gear. gear.

Example Sentences

“It took a long time for the decision to be made,” says Emanuel, a cheeky Brit who got his start making soundalike rock albums in the 1980s and co-formed Extreme Music in 1997, a music library company that produced EDM tracks for shows like “Top Gear.”

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Many sneered at the comments from the Brighton owner, but with each passing week that bold assessment is looking more realistic with Rangers in turmoil and Celtic yet to hit top gear.

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Four wins from four in the Premier League and they haven't even nearly hit top gear yet.

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Flintoff, originally from Preston in Lancashire, previously said in a documentary that he thought he had died in the accident, which occurred while filming for Top Gear.

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Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff has backed a campaign to help more hospitals get helipads, calling them a "vital step in giving me a second chance" after his car crash at a Top Gear track.

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