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a head of steam

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a head of steam

Momentum; the energy needed to move forward. The protests against the corrupt organization picked up a head of steam when the national media started covering the story.

See also: head, of, steam

a head of steam

energy to quickly make progress There's no question, though, that the drive to stop capital punishment has picked up a head of steam.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of a head of steam (the pressure that is needed in the engine of an old-fashioned steam train to make it start moving)

See also: head, of, steam