The term "gear shift" refers to a mechanism used in vehicles with an automatic or manual transmission, which allows drivers to change gears and adjust the speed and power of their vehicle. In an automatic transmission, the car's computer controls when to shift gears based on driving conditions; while in a manual transmission, the driver must manually select and engage each gear using a clutch and shifter. The phrase "gear shift" can also refer more broadly to any change or transition in direction, focus, or strategy - as one might say "we need to make a gear shift in our approach."