reverse gear en · NOUN
Meanings
-
(countable, uncountable) A gear (setting) in a vehicle's transmission which, when selected, makes the vehicle move backward. (Denoted with symbol R on a shifter's labeling.)
The reverse gear of a Ford Model T was engaged with a foot pedal.
Near-synonym: reversing gear
It's a chance to get transport investment in this country out of reverse gear - a chance to end paper promises.
2021 October 6, Paul Stephen, “Network News: Labour: build HS2 and NPR and end "paper promises"”, in RAIL, number 941, page 25:Reverse gear, air-operated, is incorporated in the transmission.
1962 April, “Beyond the Channel: Western Germany: The Henschel 4,000 h.p. V320 diesel”, in Modern Railways, page 274:
-
(countable, uncountable) A gear fitted to a machine which allows it to run in the direction opposite to normal operation.
Near-synonym: reversing gear
This old lathe has a reverse gear, but it wouldn't be used under most conditions, and in fact its use is unsafe under most conditions because the chuck is attached with nothing but a right-hand screw thread!
- (countable, figuratively, uncountable) A backward movement; a retreating from a goal; an undoing progress instead of moving forward.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| reverse gears | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Hypernyms
Synonyms
reversing gear · reversing gear · reverse
Translations (1)
de Rückwärtsgang (gear (setting) in a vehicle's transmission)