gain ground

1. gain ground on or upon . Encroach on, advance at the expense of. For example, Door-to-door canvassing helped them gain ground on the opposition .

2. Advance, make progress; also, win acceptance. For example, The new conservation policy is gaining ground among the voters . This expression alludes to a military advance in which an army literally takes territory from the enemy. Its figurative use dates from about 1800. For an antonym, see lose ground .

Example Sentences

Trump also increased his share of voters without a college degree, gained ground with Black voters in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and held steady nationally with white women, shocking Democrats who had expected a post-Dobbs uprising.

From Salon

At every sign that Trump gained ground, the crowd erupted into loud applause and chants of “Trump” and “fight”.

From BBC

On the other hand, Harris may be gaining ground with Black men … while she’s losing with Latino men.

From Los Angeles Times

Ukraine is planning to draft another 160,000 troops into its military as Russia gains ground in the east.

From BBC

Worrying for Democrats is that Trump has gained ground in the crucial "blue wall" states that offer Harris her clearest path to victory – Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania – as well as among black and Latino voters.

From BBC