getget /gɛt/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense got /gɑt/, past participle gotten /ˈgɑt˺n/ also got, present participle getting) 1
START HAVING something [transitive not in passive] to start having something by finding it, asking for it, being given it, etc.: I need to get a new job.get somebody something His dad got him work in the factory.get something for somebody/something The librarian should be able to get the article for you.get something from/out of/off of something I got the information from the Internet. I need to get some money out of the bank.get help/advice/permission You should get some professional advice. If you buy one, you get one free.► see thesaurus at earnTHESAURUSobtain formal – to get something: The statistics were obtained from the police department.acquire formal – to get or gain knowledge, skills, qualities, etc.: The program helps adults acquire skills that lead to jobs.gain – to get something useful or necessary: I’ve gained a lot of useful experience.earn – to get something because you deserve it: He had earned a reputation as a peacemaker.2BUY [transitive not in passive] to buy something SYN buy: get somebody something Her boyfriend got her a big bunch of flowers.get something for somebody My parents got this T-shirt for me in Switzerland.get something from somebody/something I get all our groceries from this store.get something for something You can get a DVD for about $12.get something cheap I got my coat cheap in a sale.► see thesaurus at buy13RECEIVE [transitive not in passive] to receive something that someone gives or sends you SYN receive: I got your message. We haven’t gotten any mail for three days.get something from somebody How much money did you get from Grandma?4BECOME [linking verb] to change from one state, feeling, etc. to another SYN become: Vicky got really mad at him. If I wear wool, my skin gets all red. Don’t worry, I won’t get lost. The weather had suddenly gotten cold. Mom told you you’d get hurt if you did that!► see thesaurus at become5MOVE [intransitive always + adv./prep.] to move to a different place or position, often when this is difficult: get off/onto/into etc. How did the guy get into their house? The gunman told everybody to get down on the floor. It felt good to get out of the city. Colleen got to her feet slowly and went to the window (=stood up).6MAKE something MOVE/FIT [transitive always + adv./prep. not in passive] to make something move or fit somewhere, especially when this is difficult: Can you get the ladder into the car? I don’t think we’ll be able to get that through the door. I can’t get the disk out of the computer.7REACH A PLACE [intransitive always + adv./prep.] to reach a particular place, position, or stage: What time will we get there? She got downstairs and found him lying on the floor.get to You might be disappointed when you get to the end of the book.8BRING [transitive not in passive] to bring someone or something back from somewhere: Run upstairs and get my glasses.get somebody/something from somebody/something I’m going to go get the kids from the babysitter’s.get somebody something/get something for somebody Get me a towel, please. Could you go and get a doctor, please?9MAKE somebody/something DO something [transitive not in passive] to persuade someone to do something, or make something do what it is supposed to do: get somebody/something to do something Bonnie couldn’t get the light to work. I tried to get Teresa to come out tonight, but she can’t.get somebody/something doing something We’ll get the TV working again.10EARN [transitive not in passive] to earn a particular amount of money, especially as an hourly rate or for a particular job SYN earn: Jennifer gets $19 an hour at her new job. I got $5 for washing my dad’s car.11RECEIVE MONEY FOR something SOLD [transitive not in passive] to receive a particular amount of money for something you sell: You should get a good price.get something for something How much can you get for a house this size?12HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO something [transitive] to have the opportunity to do something that you want to do: get to do something Tom gets to go to Disneyland this summer. I didn’t get to sit down all day.get the chance/opportunity (to do something) I never got the chance to say “thank you.” I don’t really get the time to read.13MAKE somebody FEEL something get somebody upset/excited/mad etc. to make someone feel a particular way: The whole thing got me really angry. Don’t let the illness get you down (=make you unhappy).14MAKE somebody/something BECOME something [transitive not in passive] to make someone or something be in a particular state or condition: Don’t get your clothes dirty! She has to get two papers written by tomorrow afternoon. She got her finger caught in the door.15ARRANGE TO HAVE somebody DO something get something cut/fixed/done etc. to arrange for someone to cut, fix, do, etc. something for you: I’m getting my hair cut on Tuesday. We have to get the car fixed before we go.16ILLNESS [transitive not in passive] to catch an illness, especially one that is not very serious: I got the flu when we were on vacation.get a headache/backache/stomachache etc. I got a headache halfway through class.17FEELING/IDEA [transitive not in passive] to start to feel, think, etc. something: She gets a lot of pleasure from playing the piano. Where’d you get that idea (=what made you think that)?get the feeling/impression (that) I get the feeling you don’t like her very much.get a shock/surprise I got a big surprise when I opened the bill.18HAPPEN/EXIST somebody/something gets something informal used in order to say that something happens or exists where you are: We get a lot of rain around here in the summer. Denver gets a lot of visitors for conferences.19UNDERSTAND [transitive not in progressive or passive] informal to understand something: Tracy didn’t get the joke.get what/how/who etc. He still doesn’t get what we were trying to tell him. I kept trying to explain, but he didn’t get the point (=understand the most important part of something).get the message/hint Okay, I get the message – you want me to leave now. Oh, now I get it – you have to divide 489 by 3.20BEGIN DOING something [transitive] to begin doing something, or make someone or something begin doing something: We got talking about our school days.get going/moving We’d better get going, or we’ll be late. The lawyers immediately got to work on the contracts.get somebody/something doing something He got the engine running. You know, our conversation last night got me thinking.21get to know/like etc. somebody/something to gradually begin to know, like, etc. someone or something: As you get to know the city, I’m sure you’ll like it better.22get a bus/train etc. to leave on a bus or train, or to travel on it: We need to get the next bus if we’re going to be there by six.23RADIO/TELEVISION [transitive not in progressive or passive] to be able to receive a particular radio signal or television station SYN receive: We don’t get Channel 24.24CALL [transitive not in passive] to call someone on the telephone and be able to talk to him or her: Hi, I’m trying to get the customer services department.get somebody somebody Sarah, would you get me Ms. Jones, please?25MEAL [transitive not in passive] to prepare a meal: She gets breakfast for all four children before sending them to school.SPOKEN PHRASES26have got a)used to say that you have something: Mike’s got a wife and three kids. b)used to say that you need to do something or you must do something: I’ve got to go to the bathroom.27get the phone/door to answer the telephone, or open the door to see who is there: Val, can you get the phone, please – I’m making dinner.28get it to be punished for something bad you have done: You’re really going to get it when Dad comes home.29get something on/off to put a piece of clothing on or take it off SYN put on: Get your shoes on – it’s time to go.30FOOL/SURPRISE [transitive not in progressive or passive] to trick or surprise someone: I really got you good that time, didn’t I?31ATTACK/PUNISH somebody [transitive not in progressive or passive] to do something bad to someone, such as attack, punish, or cause trouble for him or her: That stupid dog tried to get me. She thinks they are all out to get her (=trying to cause trouble for her).get somebody for something I’ll get you for that, you little brat!32you('ve) got me used to say you do not know the answer to something: “Why did he attack him?” “You got me.”33it (really) gets me used to say that something really annoys you: It really gets me the way he acts like he knows everything.34PAY FOR something [transitive not in passive] to pay for something: I’ll get dinner if you get the movie. That’s okay, I’ll get it.35HEAR [transitive] to hear something, or to hear something clearly: I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.36get this said when telling someone something that is surprising: And the whole thing only cost – get this – $12.95.37get you/him/her said to someone who you think is trying to seem more important, intelligent, etc. than he or she really is: Get you, in that fancy suit.[Origin: 1200–1300 Old Norse geta]get something ↔ across phrasal verb if an idea or piece of information gets across, or you get it across, it is explained to someone and he or she understands it: get (something) across to somebody It was difficult to get my idea across to the committee. The message just isn’t getting across to young people.get ahead phrasal verb to be successful, especially in your job: get ahead in It’s not easy to get ahead in the movie business.get along phrasal verb1to have a friendly relationship with someone or a group of people: Dave and Vince get along really well.get along with Rachel doesn’t get along with Cyrus at all.2to deal with a situation, for example a new job, school, etc., especially when you do it successfully and make progress: Is Sam getting along OK at college?get along without We get along without much help from the main office.3spoken to leave a place: Well, I guess I’d better be getting along before it gets too late.get around phrasal verb1get around something to find a way of dealing with a problem or a person, often by avoiding him or her: We’ll find some way of getting around the problem.2get around something if you get around a law or rule, you find a legal way of doing something that the law or rule was intended to prevent: They’ve hired an accountant to help them get around the new tax laws.3 to move or travel to different places: His new wheelchair lets him get around more easily.4 to travel around a city or area: get around something It’s easy to get around New York.5 if news or information gets around, a lot of people hear about it: If this news gets around, we’ll have reporters calling us all day. We’re expecting more business as word gets around (=people hear about us).6get around something to avoid admitting that something is true: You can’t get around the fact there are very few stores left downtown.get around to (doing) something phrasal verb to do something that you have been intending to do for some time: I meant to go to the bookstore, but I never got around to it.get at something phrasal verb1to try to explain something, especially something difficult: Did you understand what he was getting at?2get at the meaning/facts etc. to discover the meaning of something, the facts about someone or something, etc.: The judge asked a few questions to try to get at the truth.3get at somebody/something to be able to reach something: I could see the ring stuck under there, but I couldn’t get at it.get away phrasal verb1to leave a place, especially when this is difficult: Barry had to work late and couldn’t get away till 9.2to escape from someone who is chasing you or trying to catch you: The two men got away in a blue pickup truck.get away from He managed to get away from the attacker.► see thesaurus at escape13informal to go on vacation: Are you going to be able to get away this summer?get away from something phrasal verb1to begin to talk about other things rather than the subject you are supposed to be discussing: I think we’re getting away from the main issue.2get away from it all to leave behind your normal life or problems, especially on vacation: Get away from it all in sunny Barbados.get away with (doing) something phrasal verb1to not be noticed, caught, or punished when you have done something wrong: Students will cheat if they think they can get away with it. His parents let him get away with murder (=do very bad things and not get caught or punished).2to do something without experiencing any problems or difficulties, even though it is not the best thing to do: Do you think we can get away with just one coat of paint?3spoken to be able to do something that other people cannot, because you have enough confidence or because you have the right kind of personality, social position, etc.: Only Susan could get away with wearing a bikini like that.get somebody back phrasal verb1informal (also get back at somebody) to do something to hurt or embarrass someone who has hurt or embarrassed you: get somebody back for something Jerry’s just trying to get back at her for leaving him.2to persuade a lover, wife, etc. who has left you to start having a relationship with you again: Do you think she’s trying to get him back?get back to phrasal verb1get back to something to start doing something again after a short period when you did not do it: I have to get back to work.2get back to somebody to talk or write to someone at a later time because you are busy, or do not know how to answer his or her question: I’ll try to get back to you later today.3get back to something to change to a previous state or condition again: I couldn’t get back to sleep after that. I just want things to get back to normal (=I want the situation to return to the way it was).get back together phrasal verb if two people who had a romantic relationship, marriage, etc. get back together, they start having a relationship againget behind phrasal verb1if you get behind with a job, with payments, etc., you do not do or pay what you should have by a particular time: get behind with/on something We got behind with the rent, and they kicked us out.2get behind somebody to support someone: The fans were great. They really got behind the team.get by phrasal verb1to have enough money to buy the things you need, but no more: He only earns enough to get by.get by on something Somehow they manage to get by on $800 a month.2to manage to do something, although you do not have a lot of knowledge, talent, or other things you need: “Do you speak Spanish?” “Just enough to get by.”get by on something He gets by on five hours of sleep a night.get down phrasal verb1get something ↔ down to write something down on paper, especially quickly: Let me get your number down before I forget it.2get something ↔ down to succeed in reducing the amount or number of something: The new director is making an attempt to get costs down.get down to They’ve gotten the rate of inflation down to 4%.3get somebody down to make someone feel unhappy SYN depress: His work is really getting him down. Don’t let her get you down. She’s just being mean.4get something down to succeed in swallowing food or drink5 slang to dance in a skillful stylish wayget down to something phrasal verb to finally start doing something that will take a lot of time or effort: By the time we finally got down to work, it was already 10.get in phrasal verb1get (somebody) in to be allowed or able to enter a place, or to make it possible for someone to do this: The door was locked, and he couldn’t get in. You have to be 21 to get in.get (somebody) in to do something I’ll see if I can get you in to see the band.2 if a plane, train, bus, etc. gets in or a person gets in on a plane, train, etc., the vehicle or person arrives at a particular place: What time does your plane get in? Steve just got in a few minutes ago.get in to something We get in to Dallas around noon.3get something in to send or give something to a particular person, company, etc.: Make sure you get your homework in by Thursday.4 to be elected to a position of political power: It’s unlikely Coogan will get in again.5get something ↔ in to gather together something such as crops and bring them to a sheltered place: They’re trying to get the rest of the corn in before it rains.6get something ↔ in to manage to do something even though you do not have much time: I want to get a couple of hours’ work in before we go out.7get something ↔ in if a store gets a product in, the store gets a supply of the product so that it can be sold to people: We should be getting some more in tomorrow.get (somebody) in on something phrasal verb informal to become involved in something that other people are doing or planning: I wanted to make sure we get your department in on the planning. Once the company started making money, everyone wanted to get in on the act (=get involved in doing something).get into phrasal verb1get into something to be allowed to go to a school, college, or university: Lori got into the graduate program at Cornell.2what’s gotten into somebody? (also something’s gotten into somebody) spoken used to express surprise that someone is behaving very differently from the way he or she usually behaves: You’re so grouchy! What’s gotten into you?3get into something to begin to have a discussion about something: Let’s not get into it right now. I’m tired.get into a discussion/debate (about/on something) We got into a debate about the war.4get (somebody) into trouble/difficulties etc. to do something that causes trouble for yourself or for someone else: I was always getting into trouble at school.5get into something to start doing something regularly: get into the habit/routine etc. of I tried to get into the habit of walking to the office in the mornings.6get (somebody) into something to become interested in an activity, or make someone do this: Many young people are getting into music from the '80s.7get into something to put clothes on: I can’t get into these pants anymore.8get into pairs/groups etc. if people get into pairs, groups, etc., they form small groupsget off phrasal verb1get off something to leave a bus, train, plane, boat, etc. OPP get on: I got off at the next stop (=bus stop). We all got off the plane.2get off something to finish working at your work place: What time do you get off work? Shelly gets off at 5:30.3get (somebody) off to get little or no punishment for a crime, or to help someone escape punishment: I can’t believe his lawyers managed to get him off.get off with something He got off with just a small fine.4get (somebody) off something to stop depending on something that you used to have regularly, or to help someone do this: He got himself off drugs, and he’s doing well.5get off something to stop talking about what you had been talking about: Can we get off the subject of death, please?6where does somebody get off (doing something)? spoken said when you think someone has done something to you that he or she does not have a right to do: Where does he get off telling me how to live my life?7get off on the wrong foot to start a job, relationship, etc. badly by doing something that annoys people: We just got off on the wrong foot the other day.8get off to a good/bad start to start well or badly: The day had gotten off to a very bad start.get on phrasal verb1get on something to go onto a bus, plane, train, etc. OPP get off: She got on the plane to San Francisco. I got on at the first stop.2be getting on (in years) informal to be old: Dad’s getting on in years, but he’s still healthy.3get on the subject (of something) to start talking about something: How did we get on the subject of eating habits?4get on the phone to somebody to call someone on the phone, especially to discuss something: He got on the phone to his lawyer immediately.get on with something phrasal verb1to continue doing something after you have stopped doing it for a while: Let’s get on with the meeting, so we can go home on time.2get on with it! used to tell someone to hurry: Get on with it will you? I don’t have all day!get onto somebody/something phrasal verb1to start talking about a particular subject after you have been talking about something else: Then we got onto the subject of women in the military.2get onto something to get elected onto a committee, a political organization, etc.: When did she get onto the committee?3spoken to criticize someone about something he or she has done: get onto somebody for something Mrs. Prichett got onto me for turning my homework in late.get out phrasal verb1to leave a place, room, or building: Get out! And don’t come back. It feels good to get out in the fresh air.get out of We’d better get out of here fast!2get something ↔ out to take something from the place where it is kept SYN take out: Get out your books.get something out of something She took her violin out of the case.3get (somebody) out to be allowed to leave a place, or to make it possible for someone to do this: He got out after serving a 12-year sentence for manslaughter.get (somebody) out of something I got Sam out of school early on Thursday.4get (somebody) out to escape from a place, or to help someone do this: The dog got out again.► see thesaurus at escape15get (somebody) out to leave and escape from an unpleasant situation, that is dangerous, boring, or makes you unhappy, or to help someone do this: get (somebody) out of something You’ve got to help me get out of this mess.6 if information gets out, a lot of people learn about it, even though it is meant to be secret: If this gets out, we might lose our jobs.get out that Word got out that the band was staying at the Hilton, and a huge crowd of fans showed up.7get something ↔ out to succeed in saying something, especially when this is very difficult: I wanted to apologize, but couldn’t get the words out.8to go to different places in order to meet people and enjoy yourself: You should get out more.9get something ↔ out to produce or publish something: We plan to get the book out next month.get out of phrasal verb1get (somebody) out of something to avoid doing something you have promised to do or are supposed to do, or to help someone do this: Dana couldn’t get out of the meeting, so she canceled dinner.get (somebody) out of doing something Joe tried to get out of cleaning the bathroom. I’ll see if I can get you out of having to testify.► see thesaurus at avoid2get something out of something to feel a particular way, learn something, etc. because of something you do: Are you getting anything out of your classes?get something out of doing something She gets a lot of pleasure out of painting.3get out of something to stop doing or being involved in something: Dave wants to get out of teaching.4get something out of somebody to force or persuade someone to tell you something or give you something: I’ll get the truth out of him. His ex-wife is always trying to get money out of him.5get out of something to take off a set of clothes so that you can put on more comfortable ones: Get out of those wet clothes!6get out of here! spoken used to say that you don’t believe someoneget over1get over something to start to feel better after an emotional experience that has caused a lot of sadness or disappointment: The family still hadn’t gotten over the shock of Jennifer’s death.2get over something to become well again after you have been ill: It took him a week to get over the flu.3get over somebody to stop feeling upset about a romantic relationship with someone that has just ended: You’ll get over her.4get over something to no longer have feelings of nervousness, shyness, lack of self-confidence, etc. SYN overcome: She seems to have gotten over her confidence problems.5somebody can’t/couldn’t get over something spoken used to say that someone is very surprised, shocked, or amused by something: I can’t get over how thin you are!6get over it! spoken used to tell someone to stop being upset or complaining about something, because he or she is annoying youget something over with phrasal verb to finish doing something you do not like doing as quickly as possible: “The shot should only hurt a little.” “OK. Just get it over with.”get through phrasal verb1get (somebody) through something to manage to deal with a difficult or bad experience until it ends, or to help someone do this: I was so embarrassed, I don’t know how I got through the rest of dinner. Her love got me through my illness.2 to succeed in reaching someone by telephone: I couldn’t get through the first time I called.get through to somebody/something Did you get through to the manager?3get (something) through if a law gets through Congress or another official organization, or if someone gets it through, it is officially accepted4get something through your head to understand or believe something: Get it through your head – I am not interested in her!5get through something to finish doing something: I want to get through this chapter before I go to bed.6if someone gets through or gets something through to a place that is hard to reach, he or she succeeds in sending supplies, food, money, etc. to people in that place: Trucks carrying medical supplies were unable to get through.get something through (to somebody) Aid workers got the food through to the refugees.get through to phrasal verb1get through to somebody to be able to make someone understand something, especially when this is difficult: Sometimes it’s like I just can’t get through to her.2get through to something to succeed in reaching the next stage of a game or competition: The team got through to the final round.get to phrasal verb informal1get to somebody to upset or annoy someone: Don’t let him get to you, honey.2get to doing something spoken informal to start doing something: We got to talking about old friends from school.get together phrasal verb1 to meet with someone or with a group of people: We should really get together for lunch sometime.get together with somebody Every time he gets together with Murphy, they argue.► see thesaurus at meet12 to start a romantic relationship with someone: Those two should get together – they have a lot in common.3get yourself together (also get your life together spoken) to begin to be in control of your life, your emotions, etc.: After my husband left, it took a year for me to get myself together.4get it together (also get your act together) to become organized and successful in a situation, your life, etc., so that you can be successful: He can’t seem to get it together and get himself a job.get up phrasal verb1get (somebody) up to wake up and get out of your bed, especially in the morning, or to make someone do this SYN wake up: What time do you want to get up? Could you get me up at 8?get up early/late I have to get up early tomorrow.2 to stand up: Tom got up to make some more coffee.
START HAVING something [transitive not in passive] to start having something by finding it, asking for it, being given it, etc.: I need to get a new job.get somebody something His dad got him work in the factory.get something for somebody/something The librarian should be able to get the article for you.get something from/out of/off of something I got the information from the Internet. I need to get some money out of the bank.get help/advice/permission You should get some professional advice. If you buy one, you get one free.► see thesaurus at earnTHESAURUSobtain formal – to get something: The statistics were obtained from the police department.acquire formal – to get or gain knowledge, skills, qualities, etc.: The program helps adults acquire skills that lead to jobs.gain – to get something useful or necessary: I’ve gained a lot of useful experience.earn – to get something because you deserve it: He had earned a reputation as a peacemaker.2BUY [transitive not in passive] to buy something SYN buy: get somebody something Her boyfriend got her a big bunch of flowers.get something for somebody My parents got this T-shirt for me in Switzerland.get something from somebody/something I get all our groceries from this store.get something for something You can get a DVD for about $12.get something cheap I got my coat cheap in a sale.► see thesaurus at buy13RECEIVE [transitive not in passive] to receive something that someone gives or sends you SYN receive: I got your message. We haven’t gotten any mail for three days.get something from somebody How much money did you get from Grandma?4BECOME [linking verb] to change from one state, feeling, etc. to another SYN become: Vicky got really mad at him. If I wear wool, my skin gets all red. Don’t worry, I won’t get lost. The weather had suddenly gotten cold. Mom told you you’d get hurt if you did that!► see thesaurus at become5MOVE [intransitive always + adv./prep.] to move to a different place or position, often when this is difficult: get off/onto/into etc. How did the guy get into their house? The gunman told everybody to get down on the floor. It felt good to get out of the city. Colleen got to her feet slowly and went to the window (=stood up).6MAKE something MOVE/FIT [transitive always + adv./prep. not in passive] to make something move or fit somewhere, especially when this is difficult: Can you get the ladder into the car? I don’t think we’ll be able to get that through the door. I can’t get the disk out of the computer.7REACH A PLACE [intransitive always + adv./prep.] to reach a particular place, position, or stage: What time will we get there? She got downstairs and found him lying on the floor.get to You might be disappointed when you get to the end of the book.8BRING [transitive not in passive] to bring someone or something back from somewhere: Run upstairs and get my glasses.get somebody/something from somebody/something I’m going to go get the kids from the babysitter’s.get somebody something/get something for somebody Get me a towel, please. Could you go and get a doctor, please?9MAKE somebody/something DO something [transitive not in passive] to persuade someone to do something, or make something do what it is supposed to do: get somebody/something to do something Bonnie couldn’t get the light to work. I tried to get Teresa to come out tonight, but she can’t.get somebody/something doing something We’ll get the TV working again.10EARN [transitive not in passive] to earn a particular amount of money, especially as an hourly rate or for a particular job SYN earn: Jennifer gets $19 an hour at her new job. I got $5 for washing my dad’s car.11RECEIVE MONEY FOR something SOLD [transitive not in passive] to receive a particular amount of money for something you sell: You should get a good price.get something for something How much can you get for a house this size?12HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO something [transitive] to have the opportunity to do something that you want to do: get to do something Tom gets to go to Disneyland this summer. I didn’t get to sit down all day.get the chance/opportunity (to do something) I never got the chance to say “thank you.” I don’t really get the time to read.13MAKE somebody FEEL something get somebody upset/excited/mad etc. to make someone feel a particular way: The whole thing got me really angry. Don’t let the illness get you down (=make you unhappy).14MAKE somebody/something BECOME something [transitive not in passive] to make someone or something be in a particular state or condition: Don’t get your clothes dirty! She has to get two papers written by tomorrow afternoon. She got her finger caught in the door.15ARRANGE TO HAVE somebody DO something get something cut/fixed/done etc. to arrange for someone to cut, fix, do, etc. something for you: I’m getting my hair cut on Tuesday. We have to get the car fixed before we go.16ILLNESS [transitive not in passive] to catch an illness, especially one that is not very serious: I got the flu when we were on vacation.get a headache/backache/stomachache etc. I got a headache halfway through class.17FEELING/IDEA [transitive not in passive] to start to feel, think, etc. something: She gets a lot of pleasure from playing the piano. Where’d you get that idea (=what made you think that)?get the feeling/impression (that) I get the feeling you don’t like her very much.get a shock/surprise I got a big surprise when I opened the bill.18HAPPEN/EXIST somebody/something gets something informal used in order to say that something happens or exists where you are: We get a lot of rain around here in the summer. Denver gets a lot of visitors for conferences.19UNDERSTAND [transitive not in progressive or passive] informal to understand something: Tracy didn’t get the joke.get what/how/who etc. He still doesn’t get what we were trying to tell him. I kept trying to explain, but he didn’t get the point (=understand the most important part of something).get the message/hint Okay, I get the message – you want me to leave now. Oh, now I get it – you have to divide 489 by 3.20BEGIN DOING something [transitive] to begin doing something, or make someone or something begin doing something: We got talking about our school days.get going/moving We’d better get going, or we’ll be late. The lawyers immediately got to work on the contracts.get somebody/something doing something He got the engine running. You know, our conversation last night got me thinking.21get to know/like etc. somebody/something to gradually begin to know, like, etc. someone or something: As you get to know the city, I’m sure you’ll like it better.22get a bus/train etc. to leave on a bus or train, or to travel on it: We need to get the next bus if we’re going to be there by six.23RADIO/TELEVISION [transitive not in progressive or passive] to be able to receive a particular radio signal or television station SYN receive: We don’t get Channel 24.24CALL [transitive not in passive] to call someone on the telephone and be able to talk to him or her: Hi, I’m trying to get the customer services department.get somebody somebody Sarah, would you get me Ms. Jones, please?25MEAL [transitive not in passive] to prepare a meal: She gets breakfast for all four children before sending them to school.SPOKEN PHRASES26have got a)used to say that you have something: Mike’s got a wife and three kids. b)used to say that you need to do something or you must do something: I’ve got to go to the bathroom.27get the phone/door to answer the telephone, or open the door to see who is there: Val, can you get the phone, please – I’m making dinner.28get it to be punished for something bad you have done: You’re really going to get it when Dad comes home.29get something on/off to put a piece of clothing on or take it off SYN put on: Get your shoes on – it’s time to go.30FOOL/SURPRISE [transitive not in progressive or passive] to trick or surprise someone: I really got you good that time, didn’t I?31ATTACK/PUNISH somebody [transitive not in progressive or passive] to do something bad to someone, such as attack, punish, or cause trouble for him or her: That stupid dog tried to get me. She thinks they are all out to get her (=trying to cause trouble for her).get somebody for something I’ll get you for that, you little brat!32you('ve) got me used to say you do not know the answer to something: “Why did he attack him?” “You got me.”33it (really) gets me used to say that something really annoys you: It really gets me the way he acts like he knows everything.34PAY FOR something [transitive not in passive] to pay for something: I’ll get dinner if you get the movie. That’s okay, I’ll get it.35HEAR [transitive] to hear something, or to hear something clearly: I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.36get this said when telling someone something that is surprising: And the whole thing only cost – get this – $12.95.37get you/him/her said to someone who you think is trying to seem more important, intelligent, etc. than he or she really is: Get you, in that fancy suit.[Origin: 1200–1300 Old Norse geta]get something ↔ across phrasal verb if an idea or piece of information gets across, or you get it across, it is explained to someone and he or she understands it: get (something) across to somebody It was difficult to get my idea across to the committee. The message just isn’t getting across to young people.get ahead phrasal verb to be successful, especially in your job: get ahead in It’s not easy to get ahead in the movie business.get along phrasal verb1to have a friendly relationship with someone or a group of people: Dave and Vince get along really well.get along with Rachel doesn’t get along with Cyrus at all.2to deal with a situation, for example a new job, school, etc., especially when you do it successfully and make progress: Is Sam getting along OK at college?get along without We get along without much help from the main office.3spoken to leave a place: Well, I guess I’d better be getting along before it gets too late.get around phrasal verb1get around something to find a way of dealing with a problem or a person, often by avoiding him or her: We’ll find some way of getting around the problem.2get around something if you get around a law or rule, you find a legal way of doing something that the law or rule was intended to prevent: They’ve hired an accountant to help them get around the new tax laws.3 to move or travel to different places: His new wheelchair lets him get around more easily.4 to travel around a city or area: get around something It’s easy to get around New York.5 if news or information gets around, a lot of people hear about it: If this news gets around, we’ll have reporters calling us all day. We’re expecting more business as word gets around (=people hear about us).6get around something to avoid admitting that something is true: You can’t get around the fact there are very few stores left downtown.get around to (doing) something phrasal verb to do something that you have been intending to do for some time: I meant to go to the bookstore, but I never got around to it.get at something phrasal verb1to try to explain something, especially something difficult: Did you understand what he was getting at?2get at the meaning/facts etc. to discover the meaning of something, the facts about someone or something, etc.: The judge asked a few questions to try to get at the truth.3get at somebody/something to be able to reach something: I could see the ring stuck under there, but I couldn’t get at it.get away phrasal verb1to leave a place, especially when this is difficult: Barry had to work late and couldn’t get away till 9.2to escape from someone who is chasing you or trying to catch you: The two men got away in a blue pickup truck.get away from He managed to get away from the attacker.► see thesaurus at escape13informal to go on vacation: Are you going to be able to get away this summer?get away from something phrasal verb1to begin to talk about other things rather than the subject you are supposed to be discussing: I think we’re getting away from the main issue.2get away from it all to leave behind your normal life or problems, especially on vacation: Get away from it all in sunny Barbados.get away with (doing) something phrasal verb1to not be noticed, caught, or punished when you have done something wrong: Students will cheat if they think they can get away with it. His parents let him get away with murder (=do very bad things and not get caught or punished).2to do something without experiencing any problems or difficulties, even though it is not the best thing to do: Do you think we can get away with just one coat of paint?3spoken to be able to do something that other people cannot, because you have enough confidence or because you have the right kind of personality, social position, etc.: Only Susan could get away with wearing a bikini like that.get somebody back phrasal verb1informal (also get back at somebody) to do something to hurt or embarrass someone who has hurt or embarrassed you: get somebody back for something Jerry’s just trying to get back at her for leaving him.2to persuade a lover, wife, etc. who has left you to start having a relationship with you again: Do you think she’s trying to get him back?get back to phrasal verb1get back to something to start doing something again after a short period when you did not do it: I have to get back to work.2get back to somebody to talk or write to someone at a later time because you are busy, or do not know how to answer his or her question: I’ll try to get back to you later today.3get back to something to change to a previous state or condition again: I couldn’t get back to sleep after that. I just want things to get back to normal (=I want the situation to return to the way it was).get back together phrasal verb if two people who had a romantic relationship, marriage, etc. get back together, they start having a relationship againget behind phrasal verb1if you get behind with a job, with payments, etc., you do not do or pay what you should have by a particular time: get behind with/on something We got behind with the rent, and they kicked us out.2get behind somebody to support someone: The fans were great. They really got behind the team.get by phrasal verb1to have enough money to buy the things you need, but no more: He only earns enough to get by.get by on something Somehow they manage to get by on $800 a month.2to manage to do something, although you do not have a lot of knowledge, talent, or other things you need: “Do you speak Spanish?” “Just enough to get by.”get by on something He gets by on five hours of sleep a night.get down phrasal verb1get something ↔ down to write something down on paper, especially quickly: Let me get your number down before I forget it.2get something ↔ down to succeed in reducing the amount or number of something: The new director is making an attempt to get costs down.get down to They’ve gotten the rate of inflation down to 4%.3get somebody down to make someone feel unhappy SYN depress: His work is really getting him down. Don’t let her get you down. She’s just being mean.4get something down to succeed in swallowing food or drink5 slang to dance in a skillful stylish wayget down to something phrasal verb to finally start doing something that will take a lot of time or effort: By the time we finally got down to work, it was already 10.get in phrasal verb1get (somebody) in to be allowed or able to enter a place, or to make it possible for someone to do this: The door was locked, and he couldn’t get in. You have to be 21 to get in.get (somebody) in to do something I’ll see if I can get you in to see the band.2 if a plane, train, bus, etc. gets in or a person gets in on a plane, train, etc., the vehicle or person arrives at a particular place: What time does your plane get in? Steve just got in a few minutes ago.get in to something We get in to Dallas around noon.3get something in to send or give something to a particular person, company, etc.: Make sure you get your homework in by Thursday.4 to be elected to a position of political power: It’s unlikely Coogan will get in again.5get something ↔ in to gather together something such as crops and bring them to a sheltered place: They’re trying to get the rest of the corn in before it rains.6get something ↔ in to manage to do something even though you do not have much time: I want to get a couple of hours’ work in before we go out.7get something ↔ in if a store gets a product in, the store gets a supply of the product so that it can be sold to people: We should be getting some more in tomorrow.get (somebody) in on something phrasal verb informal to become involved in something that other people are doing or planning: I wanted to make sure we get your department in on the planning. Once the company started making money, everyone wanted to get in on the act (=get involved in doing something).get into phrasal verb1get into something to be allowed to go to a school, college, or university: Lori got into the graduate program at Cornell.2what’s gotten into somebody? (also something’s gotten into somebody) spoken used to express surprise that someone is behaving very differently from the way he or she usually behaves: You’re so grouchy! What’s gotten into you?3get into something to begin to have a discussion about something: Let’s not get into it right now. I’m tired.get into a discussion/debate (about/on something) We got into a debate about the war.4get (somebody) into trouble/difficulties etc. to do something that causes trouble for yourself or for someone else: I was always getting into trouble at school.5get into something to start doing something regularly: get into the habit/routine etc. of I tried to get into the habit of walking to the office in the mornings.6get (somebody) into something to become interested in an activity, or make someone do this: Many young people are getting into music from the '80s.7get into something to put clothes on: I can’t get into these pants anymore.8get into pairs/groups etc. if people get into pairs, groups, etc., they form small groupsget off phrasal verb1get off something to leave a bus, train, plane, boat, etc. OPP get on: I got off at the next stop (=bus stop). We all got off the plane.2get off something to finish working at your work place: What time do you get off work? Shelly gets off at 5:30.3get (somebody) off to get little or no punishment for a crime, or to help someone escape punishment: I can’t believe his lawyers managed to get him off.get off with something He got off with just a small fine.4get (somebody) off something to stop depending on something that you used to have regularly, or to help someone do this: He got himself off drugs, and he’s doing well.5get off something to stop talking about what you had been talking about: Can we get off the subject of death, please?6where does somebody get off (doing something)? spoken said when you think someone has done something to you that he or she does not have a right to do: Where does he get off telling me how to live my life?7get off on the wrong foot to start a job, relationship, etc. badly by doing something that annoys people: We just got off on the wrong foot the other day.8get off to a good/bad start to start well or badly: The day had gotten off to a very bad start.get on phrasal verb1get on something to go onto a bus, plane, train, etc. OPP get off: She got on the plane to San Francisco. I got on at the first stop.2be getting on (in years) informal to be old: Dad’s getting on in years, but he’s still healthy.3get on the subject (of something) to start talking about something: How did we get on the subject of eating habits?4get on the phone to somebody to call someone on the phone, especially to discuss something: He got on the phone to his lawyer immediately.get on with something phrasal verb1to continue doing something after you have stopped doing it for a while: Let’s get on with the meeting, so we can go home on time.2get on with it! used to tell someone to hurry: Get on with it will you? I don’t have all day!get onto somebody/something phrasal verb1to start talking about a particular subject after you have been talking about something else: Then we got onto the subject of women in the military.2get onto something to get elected onto a committee, a political organization, etc.: When did she get onto the committee?3spoken to criticize someone about something he or she has done: get onto somebody for something Mrs. Prichett got onto me for turning my homework in late.get out phrasal verb1to leave a place, room, or building: Get out! And don’t come back. It feels good to get out in the fresh air.get out of We’d better get out of here fast!2get something ↔ out to take something from the place where it is kept SYN take out: Get out your books.get something out of something She took her violin out of the case.3get (somebody) out to be allowed to leave a place, or to make it possible for someone to do this: He got out after serving a 12-year sentence for manslaughter.get (somebody) out of something I got Sam out of school early on Thursday.4get (somebody) out to escape from a place, or to help someone do this: The dog got out again.► see thesaurus at escape15get (somebody) out to leave and escape from an unpleasant situation, that is dangerous, boring, or makes you unhappy, or to help someone do this: get (somebody) out of something You’ve got to help me get out of this mess.6 if information gets out, a lot of people learn about it, even though it is meant to be secret: If this gets out, we might lose our jobs.get out that Word got out that the band was staying at the Hilton, and a huge crowd of fans showed up.7get something ↔ out to succeed in saying something, especially when this is very difficult: I wanted to apologize, but couldn’t get the words out.8to go to different places in order to meet people and enjoy yourself: You should get out more.9get something ↔ out to produce or publish something: We plan to get the book out next month.get out of phrasal verb1get (somebody) out of something to avoid doing something you have promised to do or are supposed to do, or to help someone do this: Dana couldn’t get out of the meeting, so she canceled dinner.get (somebody) out of doing something Joe tried to get out of cleaning the bathroom. I’ll see if I can get you out of having to testify.► see thesaurus at avoid2get something out of something to feel a particular way, learn something, etc. because of something you do: Are you getting anything out of your classes?get something out of doing something She gets a lot of pleasure out of painting.3get out of something to stop doing or being involved in something: Dave wants to get out of teaching.4get something out of somebody to force or persuade someone to tell you something or give you something: I’ll get the truth out of him. His ex-wife is always trying to get money out of him.5get out of something to take off a set of clothes so that you can put on more comfortable ones: Get out of those wet clothes!6get out of here! spoken used to say that you don’t believe someoneget over1get over something to start to feel better after an emotional experience that has caused a lot of sadness or disappointment: The family still hadn’t gotten over the shock of Jennifer’s death.2get over something to become well again after you have been ill: It took him a week to get over the flu.3get over somebody to stop feeling upset about a romantic relationship with someone that has just ended: You’ll get over her.4get over something to no longer have feelings of nervousness, shyness, lack of self-confidence, etc. SYN overcome: She seems to have gotten over her confidence problems.5somebody can’t/couldn’t get over something spoken used to say that someone is very surprised, shocked, or amused by something: I can’t get over how thin you are!6get over it! spoken used to tell someone to stop being upset or complaining about something, because he or she is annoying youget something over with phrasal verb to finish doing something you do not like doing as quickly as possible: “The shot should only hurt a little.” “OK. Just get it over with.”get through phrasal verb1get (somebody) through something to manage to deal with a difficult or bad experience until it ends, or to help someone do this: I was so embarrassed, I don’t know how I got through the rest of dinner. Her love got me through my illness.2 to succeed in reaching someone by telephone: I couldn’t get through the first time I called.get through to somebody/something Did you get through to the manager?3get (something) through if a law gets through Congress or another official organization, or if someone gets it through, it is officially accepted4get something through your head to understand or believe something: Get it through your head – I am not interested in her!5get through something to finish doing something: I want to get through this chapter before I go to bed.6if someone gets through or gets something through to a place that is hard to reach, he or she succeeds in sending supplies, food, money, etc. to people in that place: Trucks carrying medical supplies were unable to get through.get something through (to somebody) Aid workers got the food through to the refugees.get through to phrasal verb1get through to somebody to be able to make someone understand something, especially when this is difficult: Sometimes it’s like I just can’t get through to her.2get through to something to succeed in reaching the next stage of a game or competition: The team got through to the final round.get to phrasal verb informal1get to somebody to upset or annoy someone: Don’t let him get to you, honey.2get to doing something spoken informal to start doing something: We got to talking about old friends from school.get together phrasal verb1 to meet with someone or with a group of people: We should really get together for lunch sometime.get together with somebody Every time he gets together with Murphy, they argue.► see thesaurus at meet12 to start a romantic relationship with someone: Those two should get together – they have a lot in common.3get yourself together (also get your life together spoken) to begin to be in control of your life, your emotions, etc.: After my husband left, it took a year for me to get myself together.4get it together (also get your act together) to become organized and successful in a situation, your life, etc., so that you can be successful: He can’t seem to get it together and get himself a job.get up phrasal verb1get (somebody) up to wake up and get out of your bed, especially in the morning, or to make someone do this SYN wake up: What time do you want to get up? Could you get me up at 8?get up early/late I have to get up early tomorrow.2 to stand up: Tom got up to make some more coffee.