How to Pronounce "get up a head of steam"
expression
GET-up uh-HED-uhv STEEM
get-UP uh-HED-ov STEEM
Definition
To gradually build up energy, momentum, or motivation to do something; originally from steam trains needing steam to move faster.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈəp/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhɛd/ /ˈəv/ /ˈstim
British English
ɡˈɛt/ /ˈʌp/ /æɪ/ /hˈɛd/ /ˈɒv/ /stˈiːm
Simplified Pronunciation
US
GET-up uh-HED-uhv STEEM
UK
get-UP uh-HED-ov STEEM
Listen in Context
It took a while for the team to get up a head of steam, but now they're working fast.
Habits are hard to start, but once you get up a head of steam, it's easier to keep going.
He finally got up a head of steam on his project after weeks of planning.
Once she got up a head of steam, nothing could stop her from finishing the race.