gather pace

• Rhymes: -eɪs

gather pace (third-person singular simple present gathers pace, present participle gathering pace, simple past and past participle gathered pace)

1. to start to happen more quickly; accelerate
   • 2020 July 1, Richard Clinnick, “Network News: SWR begins main line testing of suburban Aventras”, in Rail, page 12:

     "The programme is gathering pace. We're entering an important phase of the project as we begin real-world testing on our network ahead of the trains entering passenger service later this year," said SWR Commercial Projects Director Alex Foulds.

   • 2023 April 6, Emma Sanders, “Women's Finalissima:England beat Brazil in dramatic shhotout”, in BBC Sport‎:

     The Lionesses were given their biggest test of the year by a talented, albeit injury-hit, Brazilian side but delivered more silverware as their momentum continues to gather pace before this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

• pick up speed

• “gather pace” (US) / “gather pace” (UK) in Macmillan English Dictionary.