makes headway
Gains ground steadily
To make headway is to advance or make progress, especially against resistance.
The image comes from sailing—a ship makes headway when it moves forward through the water.
The phrase now applies to any difficult undertaking: We're finally making headway on the budget negotiations.
Despite the setbacks, the team made headway toward their goal.
- gain groundMove forward, advance
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
- forge aheadProceed with determination
- push forwardProceed with determination
- gaining tractionBecoming more popular
progress · advance · accomplish · overcome · proceed · move forward · moving the needle · inch forward · strive · work hard · surmount · navigate · achieve · break through · breaking new ground · attain · succeed · closing the gap
makes headwaystalls
Delays or compartments
stagnates · treads water · grinds to a halt · goes nowhere · bogs down
makes headwayfalls behind
regresses · backslides · retreats · slips back · declines
make, makes, making, maker, makers, remake, remade, remaking, head