get at
The phrase "get at" has various meanings depending on context, ranging from accessing something to implying a message.
Definition
B1General
(common)To reach or gain access to something.
Example
- I couldn't get at the files because they were locked in the cabinet.
B2Communication
(common)To imply or suggest something indirectly.
Example
- What exactly are you trying to get at with that comment?
B2Interpersonal
(informal)To criticize or annoy someone repeatedly.
Example
- She feels like he's always getting at her about her work.
B2Work
(informal, US)To start working on something.
Example
- You have a lot to do, so you better get at it.
C1Investigation
(formal)To discover or understand something through investigation.
Example
- The detectives struggled to get at the truth behind the incident.
C1Crime
(informal)To influence someone through intimidation or bribery.
Example
- The criminals tried to get at the witness to change their testimony.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "get at":
get toget afterhave atget itget withget hold ofgo atcome atget on toget aboutreach forget someget onholla atget one's hands ongo at itat itget ingo afterreach outaim atget thereget backget throughget back toget acrossget intoget to knowgo forget it onget to grips withhit onreach pasttap intohit uparrive at