low gear

English

Noun

low gear (plural low gears)

1. The lowest gear available from a transmission or other gearbox, typically in a motor vehicle or cycle.

   Synonym: bottom gear

   Antonyms: top gear, overdrive

   Coordinate terms: second gear, third gear, fourth gear, fifth gear; angel gear, overdrive; neutral

   Near-synonyms: creeper gear, granny gear, first gear (low gear is first gear unless the transmission at hand has a granny gear)

   Start out in low gear when climbing a steep hill.

2. (with indefinite article "a") One of the lower gears available from a gearbox, typically in a motor vehicle or cycle.

   A low gear is appropriate when climbing a steep hill.

4. (figurative) A state of sluggish or minimal activity.

   Antonyms: top gear, overdrive, full throttle

   The campaign remained in low gear until sufficient funding was finally received.

See also

• downshift
• upshift

 

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