low gear (plural low gears)
- The lowest gear available from a transmission or other gearbox, typically in a motor vehicle or cycle.
- Synonym: bottom gear
- Antonyms: top gear, overdrive
- Coordinate terms: second gear, third gear, fourth gear, fifth gear; angel gear, overdrive; neutral
- Near-synonyms: creeper gear, granny gear, first gear (low gear is first gear unless the transmission at hand has a granny gear)
Start out in low gear when climbing a steep hill.
- (with indefinite article "a") One of the lower gears available from a gearbox, typically in a motor vehicle or cycle.
A low gear is appropriate when climbing a steep hill.
- (figurative) A state of sluggish or minimal activity.
- Antonyms: top gear, overdrive, full throttle
The campaign remained in low gear until sufficient funding was finally received.
