gain on

To get closer to someone ahead of you by moving faster than them.

• We are gaining on them.
• The cyclist gained on the leader near the finish.
• Is the car behind us gaining on us?

How to use it: gain on someone/something (Our boat is gaining on theirs.)

Similar words: catch up with, close on

Opposites: fall behind

Common phrases: gain on someone, gain on leaders

To spread farther into an area and gradually take it over.

• The sea gains on the shore.
• Floodwater gained on the fields overnight.
• Each winter, the ocean gains on this stretch of land.

How to use it: gain on something (The sea slowly gained on the land.)

Similar words: encroach on, advance into

Opposites: retreat

Common phrases: gain on land, gain on shore

To gradually become able to affect what someone thinks or decides.

• His advice gained on the ruler.
• Her kindness gradually gained on the old man.
• The minister hoped to gain on the queen through careful argument.

How to use it: gain on someone (Her patient reasoning gained on the king.)

Similar words: influence, sway

Common phrases: gain on someone, gain on opinion

To become stronger or more successful than someone or something opposing you.

• The enemy began to gain on us.
• In their struggle for power, she gained on her rival.
• His determination gained on their resistance until they agreed.

How to use it: gain on someone/something (The rebels gained on their opponents as support grew.)

Similar words: get the better of, outdo

Opposites: lose to

Common phrases: gain on opponents, gain on someone