low gear

plural low gears

1. The lowest gear available from a transmission or other gearbox, typically in a motor vehicle or cycle.

   Start out in low gear when climbing a steep hill.

   1 more example

   Near-synonyms: creeper gear, granny gear, first gear (low gear is first gear unless the transmission at hand has a granny gear)

   Synonyms: bottom gear, creeper gear, granny gear, first gear · Antonyms: top gear, overdrive

2. One of the lower gears available from a gearbox, typically in a motor vehicle or cycle.

   A low gear is appropriate when climbing a steep hill.

3. figurativelyA state of sluggish or minimal activity.

   The campaign remained in low gear until sufficient funding was finally received.

   Antonyms: top gear, overdrive, full throttle