go at it
B2 informal intransitive
In simple words
To really fight or argue with someone, or to do something with a lot of energy.
Literal meaning: To go at 'it' (the thing in question) — the referent of 'it' is contextual.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To fight or argue with someone intensely.
"The two siblings were going at it again over who had borrowed whose clothes."
2 B2 informal
To do something with great sustained energy or enthusiasm.
"They went at it for hours, trying to finish the mural before the opening."
Usage notes
A fixed colloquial phrase. Context determines whether the meaning is fighting/arguing, working energetically, or engaging in sexual activity (euphemistic). The euphemistic sense is understood from context and tone.
Commonly used with
hammer and tongs fiercely all night again relentlessly
Forms
Base
go at it
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes at it
he/she/it
Past simple
went at it
yesterday
Past participle
gone at it
have + pp
-ing form
going at it
continuous
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