ganar terreno
Lemma Details
Translation: to gain ground; to make progress; to advance
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'ganar' (to win, to gain) from Gothic *waidanjan (to hunt, to forage) and 'terreno' (ground, terrain) from Latin 'terrenum' (land, ground). The metaphorical expression originated from military contexts where physically gaining territory was a measure of success, but has expanded to describe progress in any endeavor.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El equipo está ganando terreno en la competición.
The team is gaining ground in the competition.
Las energías renovables están ganando terreno frente a los combustibles fósiles.
Renewable energies are gaining ground against fossil fuels.
A medida que practicaba, iba ganando terreno en su dominio del idioma.
As he practiced, he was making progress in his mastery of the language.
Mnemonics
- Think of a sports team literally gaining ground on a field as they advance toward victory.
- Visualize climbing a hill and gaining more terrain as you progress upward.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish in various contexts including business, politics, sports, and personal development. It's a standard way to describe progress or advancement toward a goal.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ganar terreno' means to make progress or advance, 'ganar tiempo' means to buy time or delay.
Confused word:
Necesitamos ganar tiempo antes de tomar una decisión.
We need to buy time before making a decision.
Notes: Both phrases use 'ganar' (to gain/win) but with different objects that change the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: 'Terreno' is physical ground you can advance on, while 'tiempo' is time that you can extend.