How to Pronounce "get a bead on"
expression
ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbid/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
GET-uh-BEED-ahn
ɡˈɛt/ /æɪ/ /bˈiːd/ /ˈɒn
get-ay-BEED-on
Definition
To focus on, aim at, or clearly understand something or someone, often with the idea of targeting or figuring something out.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbid/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
British English
ɡˈɛt/ /æɪ/ /bˈiːd/ /ˈɒn
Simplified Pronunciation
US
GET-uh-BEED-ahn
UK
get-ay-BEED-on
Listen in Context
I can't get a bead on what he's saying.
The police tried to get a bead on the suspect.
It took me a while to get a bead on her accent.
Once I got a bead on how the machine worked, it was easy.