[Idiom] GAIN GROUND. - Strategies for Advancing in Competitive Environments

Make progress.

To "gain ground" is to make progress or advance in a situation, particularly in a competitive context such as business, sports, or politics. This military-derived idiom creates a visual of slowly and steadily capturing more territory on the battleground, symbolizing incremental yet significant progress toward a goal or in overcoming obstacles.

Example Sentences

1. The candidate began to gain ground in the polls after the debate.

   The candidate began to improve in the polls after the debate.

2. In the tech world, new startups can quickly gain ground on established giants.

   In the tech industry, new startups can quickly become competitive with established firms.

3. The movement started slowly but is steadily gaining ground across the nation.

   The movement began slowly but is steadily expanding nationwide.