get on at
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To keep telling someone off or bothering them about something they should do or stop doing.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To repeatedly scold, nag, or put pressure on someone to do something or to change their behaviour.
"Mum keeps getting on at me to tidy my room, but I just don't have the time."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To persistently criticise or find fault with someone.
"The manager is always getting on at the junior staff about minor formatting errors."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily British and Irish English. Often used in domestic or workplace contexts. Usually implies the nagging is excessive or annoying to the person on the receiving end.
Commonly used with
constantly always keep homework chores money behaviour
Forms
Base
get on at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets on at
he/she/it
Past simple
got on at
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten on at
have + pp
-ing form
getting on at
continuous
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Synonyms
nag pester badger go on at hound hassle
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