1 B1 idiomatic informal
To prepare thoroughly and energetically for an event, challenge, or activity.
"The whole team is gearing up for the most important product launch of the year."
separable
gear up
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To prepare yourself or an organisation actively and energetically for something challenging or important.
In plain English
To get fully ready for something big — to prepare your equipment, plans, and mindset.
What does "gear up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To equip someone or something with the necessary tools, resources, or equipment.
"The army geared up its soldiers with the latest cold-weather kit before the winter exercise."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To increase production or activity in anticipation of greater demand.
"The factory geared up output significantly ahead of the Christmas season."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To engage a higher gear — to move into a more powerful, active mode.
Actually means
To get fully ready for something big — to prepare your equipment, plans, and mindset.
Usage tip
Very common in business, sports, and everyday contexts. Can be used reflexively ('gear yourself up') or without an object ('we're gearing up for the launch'). Implies active, enthusiastic preparation.
Words that pair with "gear up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
launch campaign competition election season production
How to conjugate "gear up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gear up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gears up
he/she/it
Past simple
geared up
yesterday
Past participle
geared up
have + pp
-ing form
gearing up
continuous
Hear "gear up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "gear up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "gear up"
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Keep exploring
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