Get at
verb
To reach or gain access to something.
I can't get at my shoes because they are under the bed.
Often appears as...
- get at the truth
- get at the root cause
verb
To mean or suggest something.
What are you trying to get at? I don't understand your point.
Often appears as...
- get at the point
- get at the meaning
verb
To criticize or verbally attack someone.
He is always trying to get at me for my mistakes.
Often appears as...
- get at someone
- constantly get at
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To influence someone in an improper way.
He believes that some secret organization is trying to get at him.
Often appears as...
- get at someone
- corruptly get at
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To reach or gain access to something.
I can't get at my shoes because they are under the bed.
Often appears as...
- get at the truth
- get at the root cause
verb
To mean or suggest something.
What are you trying to get at? I don't understand your point.
Often appears as...
- get at the point
- get at the meaning
verb
To criticize or verbally attack someone.
He is always trying to get at me for my mistakes.
Often appears as...
- get at someone
- constantly get at
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To influence someone in an improper way.
He believes that some secret organization is trying to get at him.
Often appears as...
- get at someone
- corruptly get at
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Reach
Used when an object is difficult to reach, often due to obstacles.
I need a stool to get at the box on the high shelf.
Pro Tip 2/2Access Information
When accessing info, especially if it's hard to understand or find.
You need special permission to get at those classified files.
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