Browse all

get round

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To cleverly avoid a rule or problem, or to convince someone to agree with you.

Literal meaning: To move around the edges of something — the obstacle-avoidance sense is a natural extension.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To find a way to avoid or deal with a problem, rule, or restriction.

"The lawyers found a way to get round the planning regulations."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To persuade or charm someone into doing what you want, often by being friendly.

"She knew how to get round her father — a smile and a hug usually did the trick."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 neutral

To visit or deal with a number of people or places, usually with some difficulty.

"With only one car between them, it's hard to get round to all the clients in one day."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

British English; the American equivalent is 'get around'. 'Get round a rule' is common in legal and business contexts. 'Get round someone' means to charm or flatter them into agreeing. Also used for physically travelling around an area.

Commonly used with

problem law rule restriction someone obstacle difficulty issue

Forms

Base
get round
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets round
he/she/it
Past simple
got round
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten round
have + pp
-ing form
getting round
continuous

Understand "get round" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

circumvent bypass get around work around sidestep avoid

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "get round" on Looplines