third gear

• 车辆变速器中用于中等速度行驶的第三挡，通常在低速挡加速后使用。也泛指第三档位、第三速度或第三阶段。

The third forward gear in a vehicle's transmission, used for moderate speeds after accelerating from lower gears.

1. Vehicle transmissionA2formal

   The third forward gear in a manual or automatic transmission, used for moderate speeds.

   三挡

   • He shifted into third gear to climb the hill.
   • The car runs smoothly in third gear at 40 mph.
   • You should use third gear when driving through the city.

2. Metaphorical speed or progressB2informal

   Used figuratively to describe a moderate or steady level of effort or progress.

   三挡（比喻义）

   • After the initial rush, the project settled into third gear.
   • She put the conversation into third gear to avoid conflict.
   • The team is working in third gear, not pushing too hard.