This is the 10193rd most frequent Portuguese word.
engrenar
"Engrenar" means "to engage, gear in, or get into motion or rhythm."
In this sentence, 'engrenar' signifies getting something to function smoothly or operate successfully, akin to gears meshing well to enable motion.
Depois de algum esforço, o projeto finalmente engrenou.
After some effort, the project finally got on track.
Here, 'engrenar' is used metaphorically to indicate someone starting to adapt or develop a consistent pattern in their activities, emphasizing the initiation of smooth functioning.
O aluno conseguiu engrenar nos estudos após organizar sua rotina.
The student managed to engage in studying after organizing their routine.
In this context, 'engrenar' relates directly to its mechanical sense of engaging gears or parts together accurately, underpinning physical connectivity and proper assembly.