ganar terreno
Lemma: ganar terreno
Translation: to gain ground; to make progress; to advance (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.
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.