get up a (full) head of steam meaning
[American slang]
1. Lit. [for a steam engine] to build steam pressure in order to start operating.
It took nearly thirty minutes to get up a full head of steam so that the locomotive could start moving.
2. Fig. to develop sufficient energy, enthusiasm, commitment, or determination to undertake something.
It's nearly noon before I can get up a full head of steam and accomplish something.
1. Lit. [for a steam engine] to build steam pressure in order to start operating.
It took nearly thirty minutes to get up a full head of steam so that the locomotive could start moving.
2. Fig. to develop sufficient energy, enthusiasm, commitment, or determination to undertake something.
It's nearly noon before I can get up a full head of steam and accomplish something.
- get (some) steam up: [American slang]1. ...
- get up steam: 1. To build up ste ...
- full steam ahead: see under steam; ...
