phrasal verb
gear up
geer UP
Gear up (phrasal verb) means to get ready for something demanding that is about to happen, or to get other people or an organisation ready for it. Example: “Retailers are already gearing up for Christmas.”
phrasal verb
1
To get ready for something demanding that is about to happen, or to get other people or an organisation ready for it.
"Retailers are already gearing up for Christmas."
"The hospital geared itself up for a surge in admissions."
2
To put on protective clothing or equipment before an activity.
"The crew geared up and went in through the smoke."
"We geared up at the trailhead — helmets, harnesses, the lot."
3
British, finance In finance, to increase the proportion of borrowed money used to fund a business or investment.
"The fund geared up heavily before the rates rose."
How to use gear up
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get yourself or something ready for a big effort.
When to use it
Informal to neutral. Almost always followed by for or to: gear up for a launch, gear up to expand.
Memory tip
Do not confuse gear up with geared towards, which means designed or aimed at a particular group.
Easily confused with
gear towards
suit up
gear down
Common pairings
gear up for
gearing up to
gear up for the season
fully geared up
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Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gear up and prepare?
They mean much the same, but gear up is informal and implies an intense, imminent effort — a season, a launch, a rush. Prepare is neutral and works for anything, including slow or routine readiness.
What is the opposite of gearing up?
In everyday use, winding down or standing down: reducing activity after a busy period. In finance the opposite is deleveraging or gearing down, meaning reducing borrowing relative to equity.
What is the meaning of gear up?
"gear up" (phrasal verb) means to get ready for something demanding that is about to happen, or to get other people or an organisation ready for it.
What is another word for gear up?
Other words for "gear up" include prepare, get ready, brace, psych up, mobilise, kit up.
