get behind
B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To give your full support to something, or to be late with your work or payments.
Literal meaning: To physically move to a position behind something — the 'support' sense evokes pushing something forward from behind.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To fully support a person, idea, or cause.
"The whole town got behind the local team during the championship."
"I hope you'll all get behind this plan."
— Common phrase used in political rallies; widely attributed to various U.S. presidential campaign speeches
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To fall late with work, payments, or a schedule.
"If you miss too many classes, you'll get behind and find it hard to catch up."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The 'support' sense ('get behind a candidate') is common in American English, especially in political contexts. The 'fall behind' sense is universal.
Commonly used with
campaign idea schedule payments cause team
Forms
Base
get behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets behind
he/she/it
Past simple
got behind
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten behind
have + pp
-ing form
getting behind
continuous
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Synonyms
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