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

In the first few months of the war the front line moved quickly, with Russia gaining ground quickly before being pushed back by a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

From BBC

But the weapons may grant Ukraine some advantage at a time when Russian troops have been gaining ground in the country's east and morale is low.

From BBC

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