go at
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle at
Meanings
Work on something with strong energy
Why “at”? AT can show steady effort on one task. The effort stays on the same point.
“She went at the weeds with a small tool.”
“He went at the old paint with sandpaper.”
Attack or argue with strong energy
Why “at”? AT can send words or actions toward someone in a sharp way.
“The two players went at each other after the foul.”
“The dog went at the stranger who entered the yard.”
Test yourself
“She went at the weeds with a small tool.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
be at
Same at pattern: effort
Be in a particular place or point; Be doing something again, often something annoying
get at
Same at pattern: pressure
Criticise someone repeatedly or unfairly; Suggest or mean something indirectly; Reach or gain access to something
have at
Same at pattern: effort
Start doing something eagerly
keep at
Same at pattern: effort
Continue trying with effort
laugh at
Same at pattern: pressure
Show amusement toward someone or something
pick at
Same at pattern: effort
Touch or pull small parts repeatedly
shout at
Same at pattern: pressure
Speak loudly toward someone, often angrily
work at
Same at pattern: effort
Make steady effort on a task or skill
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