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gain ground

[/ɡeɪn ɡraʊnd/]
verb phrase
ganhar terreno
1. To make progress or advance in a competition, argument, or undertaking
The candidate is gaining ground in the polls.
O candidato está ganhando terreno nas pesquisas.
2. To move forward or advance physically, especially in military contexts
The army gained ground after the successful offensive.
O exército ganhou terreno após o ataque bem-sucedido.
3. To become more popular, accepted, or widespread
Social media platforms are gaining ground among older demographics.
As plataformas de mídia social estão ganhando terreno entre os públicos mais velhos.
NYC Slang
makin' moves, comin' up, climbin' the ladder
Synonyms
make progressadvancemove forwardprogressimprovecatch upget ahead
Antonyms
lose groundfall behindrecederegressdecline

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ganhar terreno
Most common and widely used expression
São Paulo
ganhar terreno / avançar
Both expressions are equally accepted
Rio de Janeiro
ganhar terreno / progredir
Common in informal and formal contexts
Portugal
ganhar terreno
Standard expression, identical to Brazilian usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

lose ground
hold ground
break ground
stand one's ground
hit the ground running
get a foothold
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