1
general::
1. Touch, reach successfully, as in Mom hid the peanut butter so we couldn't get at it. [Late 1700s] 2. Try to make understandable; hint at or suggest. For example, I think I see what you're getting at. [Late 1800s] 3. Discover, learn, ascertain, as in We must get at the facts of the case. [Late 1700s] 4. Bribe or influence by improper or illegal means, as in He got at the judge, and the charges were dismissed. [Colloquial; mid-1800s] 5. Start on, begin work on, attend to, as in "Get at your canvassing early, and drive it with all your might" (Mark Twain, letter to his publishers, 1884). [Colloquial; late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): get at someone
Fig. to find a way to irritate someone; to manage to wound someone, physically or emotionally. (See also get at someone or an animal.) • Mr. Smith found a way to get at his wife. • John kept trying to get at his teacher., Phrase(s): get at something
1. Fig. to explain or understand something. • We spent a long time trying to get at the answer. • I can’t understand what you’re trying to get at. 2. Fig. begin doing something. (See also Have at it!) • I won’t be able to get at it until the weekend. • I’ll get at it first thing in the morning., Phrase(s): get at someone or an animal
Fig. to attack or strike someone or an animal. • The cat jumped over the wall to get at the mouse. • Ok, you guys. There he is. Get at him!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs