Get at Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈæt

GET-at or GIT-at

UK

ɡˈɛt/ /ˈæt

get-AT

Definition

To suggest or imply something without saying it directly; also, to physically reach or access something.

Usage & Nuances

Informal; often uses 'what are you getting at?' for clarifying hidden meaning. Also, 'get at' can mean physically reaching something, especially if it's hard to access. Beware: not the same as 'get to' (reach a place or point). Common for confronting indirect speech.

• Spanish: querer decir - insinuar - llegar a (acceder)
• Portuguese (BR): querer dizer - insinuar - alcançar (acessar)
• Portuguese (PT): querer dizer - insinuar - alcançar (aceder)
• Chinese (Simplified): 暗示 - 意指 - 够得着 (物品)
• Chinese (Traditional): 暗示 - 意指 - 夠得著 (物品)
• Hindi: संकेत करना - मतलब होना - पहुँच पाना
• Arabic: يقصد - يلمح - يصل إلى
• Bengali: ইঙ্গিত করা - বুঝাতে চাওয়া - পৌঁছানো (শারীরিকভাবে)
• Russian: намекать - добраться (до чего-либо)
• Japanese: ほのめかす - 手が届く
• Vietnamese: ám chỉ - với tới (vật gì)
• Korean: 암시하다 - 닿다
• Turkish: ima etmek - ulaşmak (fiziksel olarak)
• Urdu: اشارہ کرنا - (کسی چیز تک) پہنچنا
• Indonesian: menyindir - menjangkau (secara fisik)

Example Sentences

What are you getting at with that comment?

basic

I can't get at the jar on the top shelf.

basic

She kept trying to get at the truth.

basic

Are you getting at something? Just say it!

natural

Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you're getting at.

natural

The cat managed to get at the food hidden behind the door.

natural