gain on
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To encroach on.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The ocean gains on the land.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To obtain influence with.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To win ground upon; to move faster than, as in a race or contest.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “gain on” mean?
To encroach on.
Is “gain on” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.