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get under it

C1 slang inseparable intransitive

(Informal/slang) To stop making excuses and start working hard on something; to get serious and apply yourself.

In plain English

To stop being lazy and really work hard at something.

What does "get under it" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 C1 idiomatic slang

(Slang) To start working seriously and with great effort on a task or challenge.

"You've been putting this project off for weeks. It's time to get under it."

inseparable
Usage tip

Relatively niche slang, more common in American English and certain online or youth communities. Often used as a motivational command. The 'it' is vague and refers to whatever task or challenge is in front of the person. Not widely understood across all age groups or regions.

Words that pair with "get under it"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

need to just come on stop complaining work grind

How to conjugate "get under it"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "get under it" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "get under it" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "get under it"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

apply yourself buckle down get serious get stuck in get to work knuckle down

Keep exploring

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