Phrase guide

shift gears

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To change the gear by which motion is transmitted from a powered shaft to another shaft, especially in a motor vehicle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To change pace or mode of operation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Italian: cambiare marcia — change the gear by which motion is transmitted
  • Polish: zmieniać biegi — change the gear by which motion is transmitted
  • Polish: zmienić biegi — change the gear by which motion is transmitted
  • Italian: cambiare marcia — change mode of operation
  • Polish: zmieniać biegi — change mode of operation
  • Polish: zmienić biegi — change mode of operation