get at
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle at
Meanings
Criticise someone repeatedly or unfairly
Why “at”? AT can send words or actions toward someone in a sharp way.
“Why are you always getting at me?”
“The coach kept getting at Leo about his mistakes.”
Suggest or mean something indirectly
Why “at”? Words point toward an idea without saying it directly.
“What are you getting at with that question?”
“I see what you're getting at.”
Reach or gain access to something
Why “at”? AT points attention or action toward one target.
“The drawer is locked, so I cannot get at the files.”
“We moved the table to get at the wall socket.”
Test yourself
“Why are you always getting at me?” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
aim at
Same at pattern: target
Direct something toward a target
come at
Same at pattern: target
Approach a problem or idea in a particular way
go at
Same at pattern: pressure
Work on something with strong energy; Attack or argue with strong energy
hint at
Same at pattern: hidden meaning
Suggest an idea without saying it directly
laugh at
Same at pattern: pressure
Show amusement toward someone or something
look at
Same at pattern: target
Direct your eyes toward someone or something
point at
Same at pattern: target
Show a direction with a finger or object
shout at
Same at pattern: pressure
Speak loudly toward someone, often angrily
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