Pedal essentially pushed with less pressure to get in gear? (7)

I believe the answer is:

dressed

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'in gear?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for dressed that I've seen before include "bandaged" , "Up and ready to go" , "as a crab may be?" , "with mayonnaise, say" , "Clad" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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