make ground: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make ground’ mean?
The idiom "make ground" means to gain or progress in a particular situation or endeavor.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "soften the ground" means to prepare or make a situation more receptive or favorable for something or someone to come or happen.
The idiom "run into the ground" means to exhaust or use up completely, often through overuse or mismanagement.
The idiom "put in the ground" means to bury or inter someone or something, usually referring to a deceased person or a dead animal.
The idiom "put facts on the ground" means to establish or provide concrete evidence or proof to support one's statements or claims.
The idiom "put down roots" means to establish a lasting or permanent connection or presence in a particular place or community.
The idiom "plant one's feet" means to firmly position one's feet on the ground, indicating a deliberate act of grounding oneself or preparing to face a challenge or confrontation.
The idiom "make the grade" means to achieve a satisfactory level of performance or meet the required standards, typically in education or a specific task.
The idiom "make it" means to be successful or achieve a desired outcome. It can refer to reaching a destination, reaching a goal, or accomplishing something. The phrase is commonly used in situations where someone overcomes challenges or obstacles to achieve a positive result.
The idiom "make interesting" means to add excitement, intrigue, or appeal to something, making it more engaging or captivating.
The idiom "make headway" means to make progress or to move forward, especially in a difficult situation or task.
Idiom Revealed
The idiom "make ground" is a well-established expression in sports and military contexts, symbolizing progress or advancement towards a goal or objective. In sports, "make ground" often refers to a team or player gaining yards or territory on the field, exemplifying progress towards victory.
In military contexts, "make ground" denotes an advance towards a target, emphasizing the importance of gaining territory as a means to achieve a position of strength in a conflict.
While the origin of this idiom remains uncertain, its association with physical movement and progress suggests its universality as a concept. However, pinpointing the exact genesis of the idiom "make ground" is challenging.
Throughout history, the idiom "make ground" has adapted to different contexts, extending beyond sports and military scenarios. Its usage reflects the human desire for progress, conquest, and achievement.
As with many idiomatic expressions, "make ground" possesses a certain richness and depth that goes beyond its literal interpretation. It implies a dynamic process of advancement, often encompassing challenges, setbacks, and triumphs along the way.
While this analysis sheds light on the known facts and characteristics of the idiom "make ground," the exact origin and earliest usage remain elusive. Nevertheless, its enduring presence in language invites further investigation and contemplation.
The idiom "break ground" is also related to the concept of progress and advancement. This expression is commonly used to describe the beginning of a new project or endeavor. It signifies the action of starting something new, often with significant momentum or enthusiasm.
The idiom "lose ground," on the other hand, conveys the idea of regressing or falling behind in a particular context. It refers to a loss of progress or advantage previously gained, indicating a setback or failure to maintain a position of strength or control.
"make headway" is another idiom related to the concept of making progress. It signifies forward movement or advancement towards a goal or objective. It emphasizes the idea of overcoming obstacles, difficulties, or resistance in order to make significant strides towards achievement.
When someone decides to "go to ground," it means that they choose to hide or disappear from public view or attention. This idiom is often associated with evading capture or pursuit, indicating a deliberate effort to remain unseen or inaccessible.
"soften the ground" is an idiom that signifies the act of preparing or paving the way for something. It involves making the circumstances or environment more receptive or favorable to a particular idea, proposal, or action. It implies the need to alleviate resistance or create a more conducive atmosphere.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "make ground" can be used in a sentence:
- Despite starting from behind, the runner made ground on the leader and eventually overtook them to win the race.
- The company's new marketing campaign helped them make ground in the highly competitive market.
- After a lot of hard work, the team was able to make ground on their project and meet their tight deadline.
Analysis:
The idiom "make ground" is commonly used to describe the act of gaining progress, advancement, or success in a particular situation. It is often used in reference to catching up to someone or something, whether it be in a race, competition, or business environment. The idiom implies that the individual or entity is narrowing the gap or reducing the distance between them and their objective.
More "Progress" idioms
