The phrase "went at it" is an idiomatic expression that means engaging in a physical or verbal activity with great energy or enthusiasm. The spelling of this phrase adheres to the standard English orthography rules, where 'went' is spelled w-ɛ-n-t and 'at' is pronounced æt. The vowel sound in "it" is pronounced ɪ, which is the short i sound. When pronounced together, "went at it" sounds like wɛnt æt ɪt. This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe intense activity or confrontation.
"Went at it" is a colloquial expression that conveys the idea of engaging in a vigorous, intense, or often heated activity or argument. It is often used to describe situations where people confront each other with great energy, determination, or animosity.
In the context of physical activities, "went at it" suggests a fierce and robust engagement in a particular task, sport, or physical contest. It implies an aggressive approach or attitude, where individuals demonstrate their strong determination and effort to win or succeed. For instance, one might say that two boxers "went at it" if they engaged in an intense and fast-paced fight.
When used to describe verbal exchanges or arguments, "went at it" signifies a fervent or heated confrontation between two or more individuals. It implies an intense expression of differing viewpoints, often accompanied by emotional involvement or strong language. For example, if two people have an intense argument about a contentious topic, one might say that they "went at it" to emphasize the intensity and vehemence of their disagreement.
In summary, "went at it" is an idiomatic expression that describes an energetic and often confrontational engagement in physical activities, disputes, or arguments. It denotes a situation where individuals invest significant effort or emotion into their participation, emphasizing the intensity and stamina involved in the activity or debate.