G

1. To go forward; move ahead.

/The soldiers fought hard and began to gain ground./

2. To become stronger; make progress; improve.

/The sick man gained ground after being near death./

* /Under Lincoln, the Republican ...

See:

[PLAY TO THE GALLERY].

Bitter joke(s) that make fun of a very serious matter, e.g. death, imprisonment, etc.

/When the criminal was led to the electric chair on Monday morning, he said, "Nice way to start the week, eh?"/

See:

[AHEAD OF THE GAME],

[LOVE GAME],

[NAME OF THE GAME],

[PLAY THE GAME],

[AT --- STAGE OF THE GAME].

A plan, trick, or way of acting that both sides may use.

/Rough football is a game two can play./

/Politics is a game at which two can play./

What is being done is not worth the trouble or cost; the gain is not worth the effort.

/I don't want to walk so far on such a hot day. The game is not worth the candle./

The secret or plan won't work; we are caught or discovered.

/The game is up; the teacher knows who took her keys./

/The jig's up; the principal knows the boys have been smoking in the basement./

Compare: [FAT ...