gather steam
Build up speed
To gather steam is to gain momentum or build energy, from the literal process of a steam engine building pressure before it can move.
A project, movement, or idea gathers steam as it picks up speed and support: The campaign was slow at first but gathered steam after the debate.
Also pick up steam.
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
- forward motionMovement toward the front
- forceStrength or compulsion
picking up speed · vigor · groundswell · proliferation · catch fire · buildup · surge · velocity · amplification · escalation · traction · snowball · snowball effect · crescendo · intensity · mobilization · enlargement · rallying
- momentumbuilding momentum, gain traction, gaining traction, pick up speed, picking up speed
- progressprogress, in progress, promotion, raise, making progress
gather steamlose steam
Gradually lose momentum
run out of steam · peter out · fizzle out · slow down · wind down
gather steamcome to a stop
Cease forward movement
die out · fizzle · collapse · fall apart · run aground
gather steamwind up
Reach a final state
wrap up · come to an end · draw to a close · conclude · tail off
gather, steam, gathers, gathered, gathering, gatherer, gatherers, steams, steamed