into a condition of hard work and effectiveness The staff went into overdrive, trying to get the software ready for release on Monday.There are times when you think this show is going to shift into overdrive, but it never does.
Usage notes: sometimes used in the form in overdrive: Law enforcement agencies are in overdrive preparing for the summit meeting.
to start working very hard, or to start doing something in an excited way With her exams only two weeks away, she's gone into overdrive and is studying ten hours a day.The tabloid press went into overdrive at the news that the princess was getting married again.