get at

British  

verb

1. to gain access to

   the dog could not get at the meat on the high shelf

2. to mean or intend

   what are you getting at when you look at me like that?

3. to irritate or annoy persistently; criticize

   she is always getting at him

4. to influence or seek to influence, esp illegally by bribery, intimidation, etc

   someone had got at the witness before the trial

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get at Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

get at

Travelers who hold United’s co-branded cards now get at least 10% off every ticket they book with miles or points under a new policy that began in April.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

The burger I get at Petco Park, I explained to the server.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

Spurs were flat against Chelsea and, based on that performance, Everton will get at least a point.

From BBC ● May 22, 2026

That doesn’t guarantee deals will be made, but it does mean more motivation to get at least some done.

From Barron's ● May 11, 2026

Their house was filled with those protective saint candles you get at the grocery store for a few bucks.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Related Words

• ascertain
• get hold of