Get at
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To imply something indirectly
Example sentence
What are you getting at?
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: get at + meaning/idea/truth
- get at the truth
- get at the facts
- get at the real issue
- get at the root of the problem
- get at the meaning
- get at what someone means
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
I don't understand what he's trying to get at. ✅ (Correct)
I don't understand what he's trying to get it at. ❌ (Incorrect)