top gear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, idiomatic, technical (motoring)
Quick answer
What does “top gear” mean?
The highest or most efficient gear in a vehicle, allowing maximum speed for a given engine rotation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The highest or most efficient gear in a vehicle, allowing maximum speed for a given engine rotation; a state of maximum efficiency, performance, or activity.
A state of optimal functioning, high energy, or peak performance in any activity or system. Famously used as the title of a British motoring television show.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term, but due to the global popularity of the TV show 'Top Gear', the phrase is strongly associated with British culture in its idiomatic/metaphorical sense. Literal motoring usage is identical.
Connotations
In the UK, the phrase immediately evokes the television programme. In the US, while the show is known, the literal meaning might be slightly more primary.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to cultural saturation from the TV show. The idiom 'to be in top gear' is understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “top gear” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be/get/shift + into + top gear[Subject] + be + in + top gearVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “top gear” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to top-gear this initiative before the quarter ends.
American English
- The team is top-gearing the production rollout.
adverb
British English
- She worked top-gear to meet the deadline.
American English
- The system is running top-gear after the upgrade.
adjective
British English
- He's a top-gear presenter, known for his energetic style.
American English
- They're looking for a top-gear performance from the software.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The marketing campaign is finally in top gear, with sales figures rising sharply.
Academic
Her research moved into top gear after she secured the grant funding.
Everyday
Once the kids went back to school, my routine got into top gear.
Technical
The engine should only be in top gear on motorways to conserve fuel.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “top gear”
- Using 'on top gear' (incorrect preposition; use 'in'). Confusing it with 'top-tier' (which refers to level/quality, not speed/activity).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Capitalized 'Top Gear' refers specifically to the television programme. Lowercase 'top gear' refers to the literal gear or the idiomatic state.
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'She's in top gear today,' meaning she is very active and productive.
First gear or low gear. Metaphorically, 'idle', 'neutral', or 'low gear'.
It is informal and idiomatic when used metaphorically. The literal automotive use is technical but not highly formal.
The highest or most efficient gear in a vehicle, allowing maximum speed for a given engine rotation.
Top gear: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒp ˈɡɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːp ˈɡɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shift into top gear”
- “be in top gear”
- “get the project into top gear”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a car speeding on a motorway – that's TOP GEAR. When you're working at your fastest and best, you're in 'top gear' too.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS/ACTIVITY IS A VEHICLE IN MOTION (with different gears representing different levels of intensity).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'to be in top gear' primarily mean?