Meaning
- make progress or advance in a particular area or situation.
- become more accepted or popular among a group or in society.
- increase one's influence or power in a competitive context.
- recover lost status or position.
- improve in a race or competition.
Example Sentences
- The new policy is gaining ground among community leaders.
- The competitor started to gain ground in the final laps of the race.
- Their efforts to reduce pollution are finally gaining ground.
- The movement has gained ground due to increasing public support.
- As the project progressed, they began to gain ground on their competitors.
Origin and History
The phrase "gain ground" has a rich history rooted in military terminology. Originally, it was used in literal contexts to describe physical advances made by troops in battle. When armies would push forward on the battlefield, they were said to "gain ground" by capturing and securing territory from the enemy. Over time, the phrase evolved from this literal meaning into a metaphor for making progress in non-military contexts, such as social, political, or personal endeavors.
Theories and Beliefs on Its Development
- Military Origins: The most widely accepted theory links the term to warfare. Historical records show that battles were frequently described in terms of gaining or losing ground, reflecting the territorial nature of conflict. The imagery of armies physically advancing or retreating provided a natural metaphor for progress in other areas of life, such as politics or business. In this way, "gain ground" became associated with any form of advancement or success.
- Early Printed Record: The exact earliest use of the phrase in print is difficult to pinpoint, but it appears in 17th-century English texts in military contexts. By the 18th century, it was being used metaphorically, referring to advancements in various fields. According to available online resources, it seems the figurative use of "gain ground" expanded significantly during the 19th century.
To confirm the earliest usage, a Google Ngram search reveals that the phrase appears in books as early as the late 1600s. For instance, in "The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England" (1702) by Edward Hyde, the term is used in a military sense, highlighting its connection to warfare. As the 18th and 19th centuries progressed, the term increasingly appeared in non-military contexts.
Expansion to Broader Use
By the 19th century, "gain ground" was no longer limited to describing military conquests. It began to appear frequently in political discourse, describing ideological or strategic advances. For example, a political party might be said to "gain ground" in public opinion or elections. Similarly, the term became common in social movements, with campaigns for various causes described as "gaining ground" as they attracted more supporters.
In modern usage, the phrase applies to any situation where progress or an advantage is being achieved, whether in technology, science, business, or personal matters.
Synonyms
Variants
- gain some ground
- gaining ground