Gaining something often brings a sense of achievement and progress. In English, various expressions and idioms capture the nuances of gaining, whether it’s knowledge, wealth, or an advantage. This blog post explores 20 such expressions, offering clear definitions and examples. These phrases will not only enhance your vocabulary but also enrich your understanding of how the concept of gain is used in everyday language.
Expressions Related to Gain
1. Gain ground
Meaning: To make progress or advance in a situation.
Example: The candidate began to gain ground in the polls.
2. Gain momentum
Meaning: Start to progress more quickly after a slow start.
Example: The project gained momentum after the initial setbacks.
3. Gain the upper hand
Meaning: To get a controlling position in a situation.
Example: She gained the upper hand in the negotiation.
4. Gain insights into
Meaning: To acquire a deeper understanding of something.
Example: He gained insights into the market trends.
5. Gain a foothold
Meaning: Establish a secure position from which further progress can be made.
Example: The company gained a foothold in the Asian market.
6. Gain traction
Meaning: Begin to get support or become popular.
Example: The new policy is starting to gain traction with the public.
7. Gain an edge
Meaning: Acquire an advantage over others.
Example: Training with experts helped her gain an edge over competitors.
8. Gain acceptance
Meaning: Become accepted by others.
Example: The idea slowly gained acceptance among the staff.
9. Gain recognition
Meaning: To be acknowledged or recognized for one’s efforts or qualities.
Example: His work on the project gained him recognition in the industry.
10. Gain entry
Meaning: To be allowed access.
Example: They gained entry to the club after showing their membership cards.
11. Gain a reputation
Meaning: To become known for something specific.
Example: He quickly gained a reputation as a reliable consultant.
12. Gain perspective
Meaning: To develop a broader or more objective viewpoint.
Example: Traveling abroad helped her gain perspective on her career.
13. Gain the advantage
Meaning: To obtain a superior position in a competitive scenario.
Example: His quick thinking allowed him to gain the advantage.
14. Gain approval
Meaning: To receive consent or affirmation.
Example: The new design finally gained approval from the board.
15. Gain support
Meaning: To start to have more people help or agree with you.
Example: The movement gained support across the nation.
16. Gain confidence
Meaning: To become more confident.
Example: She gained confidence with each public speaking event.
17. Gain currency
Meaning: To become widely accepted or popular.
Example: The term gained currency in the 1990s.
18. Gain a following
Meaning: To accumulate supporters or admirers.
Example: The artist gained a following with his unique style.
19. Gain access
Meaning: To obtain the right or opportunity to use or see something.
Example: Subscribers gain access to exclusive content.
20. Gain leverage
Meaning: To acquire power or influence that can be used to achieve goals.
Example: Negotiating as a group, they gained leverage against the company.
