english
1
general::
Phrase(s): get after someone 1. Lit. to begin to chase someone. • The other boys got after him and almost caught him. • Henry got after Bill and almost caught up with him. 2. Fig. to bother someone about doing something; to scold someone about something. • I will get after Fred about his behavior. • Please don’t get after me all the time.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Urge or scold someone about doing something. For example, Dad should get after Billy to mow the lawn, or Mary got after Jane for forgetting her house key. Also see KEEP AFTER.
American Heritage Idioms