Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pedal that controls the throttle valve in a motor vehicle: The gas pedal is the foot-operated control that regulates the flow of fuel to the engine, thereby controlling the vehicle's speed. Pressing it down increases speed; releasing it decreases speed.

Usage

• The primary function is to accelerate a vehicle.
• It is typically located on the floor to the right of the brake pedal.
• Common in everyday driving instructions and descriptions of vehicle operation.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To step on the gas (pedal)": An idiom meaning to press the accelerator pedal to go faster, often used to urge someone to hurry up or increase effort.
  • We're running late, so you need to step on the gas.
• "Ride the gas pedal": An informal phrase suggesting inconsistent use, like pressing and releasing it frequently.
  • New drivers often ride the gas pedal, causing a jerky ride.

Variants and Related Words

• Accelerator (pedal): The most common formal synonym.
• Throttle: Can refer to the pedal or the mechanism it controls.
• Go pedal: Informal, humorous term.

Synonyms

• Accelerator
• Throttle

Related Phrases

• Floor it: A slang phrase meaning to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor for maximum acceleration.
  • When the light turned green, he floored it.
• Ease off the gas: To gradually reduce pressure on the accelerator.
  • Ease off the gas as you enter the curve.

Noun

1. a pedal that controls the throttle valve
   • he stepped on the gas