GET AT Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "get at" is used as a multi-purpose idiomatic expression with several different meanings depending on the context. Broadly speaking, "get at" can mean to reach or access something, to understand or imply something, to criticize or attack someone, or to subtly imply or suggest something.
One common usage of "get at" is to refer to physically reaching or accessing something that is difficult to obtain. For example, "I can't quite get at the top shelf in the kitchen" or "The important files are stored in a locked drawer, and I can't get at them without a key."
Additionally, "get at" can be used to convey the idea of understanding or implying something. For instance, "What is he getting at with that cryptic comment?" or "I couldn't quite get at the meaning behind her words."
Moreover, "get at" can be used to criticize or attack someone indirectly. This usage often implies an attempt to undermine or nag someone. For instance, "She's always trying to get at me with her constant nitpicking."
Finally, "get at" can be used to subtly imply or suggest something. For example, "He didn't explicitly say it, but I think I understand what he is getting at." This conveys the idea of understanding the hidden or underlying message without it being explicitly stated.
In conclusion, "get at" is a versatile idiom that can have different meanings depending on the context. It can refer to reaching or accessing something, understanding or implying something, criticizing or attacking someone, or subtly implying or suggesting something.
Common Misspellings for GET AT
- getat
- fet at
- vet at
- het at
- yet at
- tet at
- gwt at
- gst at
- gdt at
- grt at
- g4t at
- g3t at
- ger at
- gef at
- geg at
- gey at
- ge6 at
- ge5 at
- get zt
Etymology of GET AT
The phrase "get at" has its roots in Old English. The word "get" derives from the Old Norse word "geta", meaning "to obtain" or "to acquire". In Old English, "get" originally referred to the action of obtaining or acquiring something physically. Over time, the meaning of "get" expanded to include more abstract concepts, such as understanding or reaching for something. The preposition "at" denotes direction or movement toward a specific goal or target. Therefore, when used together, "get at" signifies the act of acquiring or obtaining something, whether it be physical or abstract, or reaching or understanding something deeply.
Idioms with the word GET AT
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get at (someone or something)
The idiom "get at (someone or something)" means to criticize, blame, or find fault with someone or something indirectly or subtly. It can involve making accusations or insinuations in order to express disapproval or to influence someone's perception of a person or object. It often implies an attempt to undermine or attack someone's reputation or credibility.
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get at (someone or an animal)
The idiom "get at (someone or an animal)" means to annoy, irritate, or provoke someone or an animal intentionally in order to elicit a reaction or response from them. It can also refer to persistent nagging or bothersome behavior towards someone or an animal.
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get at something
The idiom "get at something" means to finally understand or uncover the truth, essence, or meaning of something, typically after persistent effort or investigation. It involves reaching a deeper level of comprehension or getting to the root of a problem or situation.
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get at someone
The idiom "get at someone" refers to the act of criticizing, manipulating, or provoking someone with the intention of undermining or upsetting them. It implies a gradual and persistent attempt to affect someone emotionally or mentally.
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get at
"Get at" typically means to reach or make contact with something or someone, often implying a need to understand or solve a problem or situation. It can also mean to strongly criticize or attack someone.
Similar spelling words for GET AT
Conjugate verb Get at
CONDITIONAL
I
would get at
you
would get at
he/she/it
would get at
we
would get at
they
would get at
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be getting at
you
would be getting at
he/she/it
would be getting at
we
would be getting at
they
would be getting at
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have get at
you
would have get at
he/she/it
would have get at
we
would have get at
they
would have get at
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been getting at
you
would have been getting at
he/she/it
would have been getting at
we
would have been getting at
they
would have been getting at
FUTURE
I
will get at
you
will get at
he/she/it
will get at
we
will get at
they
will get at
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be getting at
you
will be getting at
he/she/it
will be getting at
we
will be getting at
they
will be getting at
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have got at
you
will have got at
he/she/it
will have got at
we
will have got at
they
will have got at
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been getting at
you
will have been getting at
he/she/it
will have been getting at
we
will have been getting at
they
will have been getting at
IMPERATIVE
you
get at
we
let´s get at
to get at
PAST
I
got at
you
got at
he/she/it
got at
we
got at
they
got at
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was getting at
you
were getting at
he/she/it
was getting at
we
were getting at
they
were getting at
PAST PARTICIPLE
got at
PAST PERFECT
I
had got at
you
had got at
he/she/it
had got at
we
had got at
they
had got at
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been getting at
you
had been getting at
he/she/it
had been getting at
we
had been getting at
they
had been getting at
PRESENT
I
get at
you
get at
he/she/it
gets at
we
get at
they
get at
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am getting at
you
are getting at
he/she/it
is getting at
we
are getting at
they
are getting at
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
getting at
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have got at
you
have got at
he/she/it
has got at
we
have got at
they
have got at
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been getting at
you
have been getting at
he/she/it
has been getting at
we
have been getting at
they
have been getting at
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