w>gain on

vi +prep obj (= get further ahead) → den Vorsprung zu … vergrößern; (= close gap) → einholen; (= catch up with) work, rust etc → fertig werden mit; the disease was gaining on him → seine Krankheit schritt fort

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

gain

(gein) verb

1. to obtain. He quickly gained experience.

2. (often with by or from) to get (something good) by doing something. What have I to gain by staying here?

3. to have an increase in (something). He gained strength after his illness.

4. (of a clock or watch) to go too fast. This clock gains (four minutes a day).

noun

1. an increase (in weight etc). a gain of one kilo.

2. profits, advantage, wealth etc. His loss was my gain; He'd do anything for gain.

gain ground

1. to make progress.

2. to become more influential. His views were once unacceptable but are now gaining ground rapidly.

gain on

to get or come closer to (a person, thing etc that one is chasing). Drive faster – the police car is gaining on us.