get to the root of something

get to the root of (something)

To understand the cause or source of something. What is causing this water leak? Has anyone gotten to the root of it yet?See also: get, of, root

get to the ˈroot of something

be able to see or do something about the main cause (of a problem, etc.): We must get to the root of the drugs problem. OPPOSITE: scratch the surface (of something)See also: get, of, root, something