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steam ahead

B2 informal intransitive
In simple words

To keep going quickly and powerfully, like a train that cannot be stopped

Literal meaning: To move forward propelled by steam — like a steam engine going at full power

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To make rapid, unstoppable progress with a plan, project, or goal

"Despite the budget cuts, the construction team steamed ahead with the new bridge."

2 B2 neutral

To move forward rapidly and powerfully, literally (of vehicles or vessels)

"The old ferry steamed ahead through the fog toward the distant harbour."

Usage notes

Common in business and journalistic English. The metaphor of a steam engine conveys both speed and unstoppable momentum. Often used to describe projects, economies, teams, or people moving forward energetically despite possible obstacles. 'Full steam ahead' is the complete idiom this derives from.

Commonly used with

plan project economy development regardless full with

Forms

Base
steam ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
steams ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
steamed ahead
yesterday
Past participle
steamed ahead
have + pp
-ing form
steaming ahead
continuous

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Synonyms

forge ahead press on power ahead barrel forward push forward charge ahead

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