low gear en · NOUN
Meanings
-
The lowest gear available from a transmission or other gearbox, typically in a motor vehicle or cycle.
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.
-
(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.
-
(figuratively) A state of sluggish or minimal activity.
The campaign remained in low gear until sufficient funding was finally received.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| low gears | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Antonyms
top gear · top gear · full throttle · overdrive · overdrive
Coordinates
angel gear · fourth gear · overdrive · neutral · second gear · fifth gear · third gear