get at

B1 informal inseparable transitive

In simple words

To try to say something without saying it directly, or to keep criticising someone, or to reach something.

Literal meaning: To physically reach or touch something — this literal sense survives but the figurative senses are more frequent.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

very common

To try to communicate something indirectly; to suggest or imply.

"I'm not sure what you're getting at — can you be more direct?"

Grammar: inseparable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

To criticise or nag someone repeatedly. (Mainly British English)

"He felt like his manager was always getting at him in front of the team."

Grammar: inseparable

3 A2 neutral

common

To physically reach or access something.

"The shelves were so high she couldn't get at the boxes on top."

Grammar: inseparable

4 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

To bribe or illegally influence someone. (Informal/legal contexts)

"The defence claimed that someone had got at the witness before the trial."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

The 'imply' sense ('What are you getting at?') is very common in conversation. The 'criticise' sense is mainly British English. The 'access' sense is more literal.

Commonly used with

truth point meaning someone facts evidence

Forms

Base

get at

I/you/we/they

3rd person

gets at

he/she/it

Past simple

got at

yesterday

Past participle

got/gotten at

have + pp

-ing form

getting at

continuous

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Synonyms

imply suggest hint criticise access reach

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