English Profile

get · verb

/get/Full view

get (OBTAIN)

A1 T to obtain or buy something

Dictionary examples:

I'll get some bread on the way home.

Did you get the tickets for the concert?

Learner example:

We could get the afternoon ticket. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

get (RECEIVE)

A1 T to receive or be given something

Dictionary examples:

I got some very nice presents for my birthday.

I got a letter from Stefano.

Did you get my e-mail?

Learner example:

I got your note. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Nepali)

get here/there/home/to work, etc.

A1 to reach or arrive at a particular place

Dictionary examples:

We got home later than usual.

I didn't get to work till nine o'clock.

Learner example:

I had a good time at your house last night but when I got home I realized I had forg[o]tten my bag! (Key English Test; A2; Thai)

get a bus/train/taxi, etc.

A1 to travel somewhere in a bus, train, taxi or other vehicle

Dictionary example:

Should we get a taxi to the station?

Learner example:

You can get the train. (Key English Test; A2; French)

get (BRING)

A2 T to go somewhere and bring back someone or something

Dictionary examples:

Wait here while I get the car.

I'll go and get Sophie.

Could you get me my keys from upstairs?

Learner example:

I decided [to] go on with my plan and get my father's car. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

get married

A2 to begin a legal relationship with someone as their husband or wife

Dictionary example:

They got married in April.

Learner example:

She was going to get married, and I was invited to the wedding. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

get cancer/flu, etc.

B1 to become ill or develop an illness

Dictionary example:

I'm getting another cold.

Learner example:

I was angry, and I got a cold! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

get cold/ill/late, etc.

B1 to start to be cold/ill/late, etc.

Dictionary examples:

Your coffee's getting cold.

It's getting late.

Learner example:

It's getting late so I should finish now. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

get worse

B1 to become more ill, unpleasant, difficult, severe, etc. than before

Dictionary examples:

My cold seems to be getting worse.

If the rain gets any worse, we'll have to stop walking.

Learner example:

I thought, it couldn't get worse. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

get caught/killed/told off, etc.

B1 to have something done to you

Dictionary examples:

He got killed in the war.

She got told off in class for not paying attention.

Be careful you don't get bitten in the woods.

Learner example:

Two weeks ago many people at school got injured because of an explosion, so a TV company came to film what the school is like now ... (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

get sth wrong

B1 to produce an answer or result that is not correct, or to say or write something that is not correct

Dictionary examples:

I got most of the answers wrong.

The newspapers got the story completely wrong.

get (DO)

B1 T to do a task, or to arrange for someone to do a task for you

Dictionary examples:

Could you get the kids dressed?

I need to get my hair cut.

You have to get that form sent off.

Learner example:

First I have to go to the doctor and then I have to get my teeth checked by the dentist. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

get in touch

B1 to contact someone

Dictionary example:

Please get in touch if you ever come back to Madrid.

Learner example:

Get in touch soon. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Korean)

get down/into/off, etc.

B1 to move to a different place or into a different position

Dictionary example:

I saw her getting into his car.

Learner example:

They [said] that I got into a car by myself (they thought that I had believed the story). (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

get (TELEPHONE/DOOR)

B1 T to deal with or answer a ringing telephone, a knock on the door, etc.

Dictionary examples:

Could you get the phone, Al?

Someone's at the door - could you get it?

get to know sb/sth

B1 to spend time with someone or something so that you gradually learn more about them

Dictionary examples:

The first couple of meetings are for the doctor and patient to get to know each other.

I'll need a few weeks to get to know the system.

Learner example:

I hope you can come here and get to know him. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

get rid of sth

B1 to throw something away or give something to someone because you no longer want it

Dictionary example:

We must get rid of some of those old books.

Learner example:

Do you think I'd better get rid of the sofa and place the bookshelf [there]? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

get rid of sth

B2 to end something unpleasant

Dictionary example:

I can't seem to get rid of this headache.

Learner example:

[The] first step is to get rid of smoking. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

get sb/sth to do sth

B2 to make something happen, or make someone or something do something

Dictionary examples:

I can't get my computer to work!

I'll get Ben to fix your bike.

Learner example:

We must get the councillors to change their minds. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

get the feeling/idea/impression, etc.

B2 to develop an opinion about a situation because of something that you notice

Dictionary example:

I got the feeling that she was really angry about the situation.

Learner example:

I disagree with some points you mentioned and would like to share the impression I got from that popular holiday report during my two-week trip. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

get on sb's nerves

B2 to annoy someone, especially by doing something again and again

Dictionary example:

If we spend too much time together, we end up getting on each other's nerves.

Learner example:

Sometimes, receiving a phone call can disturb very important events in [a person's] life, but [it] also get[s] on people's nerves when you use it in a public place like a train. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

get to do sth

B2 to have the chance to do something

Dictionary example:

I never got to meet her.

Learner example:

I did get to meet a musician, a singer named Anouk. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

get (UNDERSTAND/HEAR)

B2 T to understand or hear something

Dictionary example:

That joke that he told - did you get it?

get a grip (on yourself)

C1 to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly

Dictionary example:

Stop panicking and get a grip on yourself!

Learner example:

The best thing to do was to talk to people who were not doing the test rather than building up my anxiety. However, I did not do this and it almost resulted in a disaster, but I got a grip on myself and just barely passed. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Turkish)

get rid of sb

C1 to make someone leave

Dictionary example:

We finally got rid of my little sister by telling her scary stories.

Learner example:

Improving your English on your own (or a self-guide [on] how to get rid of your English teacher!). (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

get sth straight

C1 to make sure that you completely understand a situation

Dictionary example:

Let me get this straight - am I paying for this?

Learner example:

Next time you should try to get your facts straight. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

get your act together

C2 to become better organized so that you can make progress

Dictionary example:

I wish she'd get her act together.

Learner example:

He was determined to get his act together and try to find a solution to his problem. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

get out of hand

C2 to become difficult to control

Dictionary example:

It was the end of week and the children were getting a little out of hand.

Learner example:

A few solutions can prevent this problem from getting out of hand. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

get the hang of sth

C2 to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple

Dictionary example:

I've never used one of these before. - Don't worry, you'll soon get the hang of it.

Learner example:

It was quite hard to get the hang of it, as I didn't have any knowledge of English. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

get moving

C2 to hurry

Dictionary example:

We're leaving in five minutes, so get moving!

Learner example:

"Oh, look at the time, we must get moving!" (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Korean)

get a move on

C2 to hurry

Dictionary example:

Come on, get a move on!

Learner example:

"All the lights will be switched off in 28 minut[e]s, so I have to get a move on," I said to myself, as I started to write on a new piece of paper. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Danish)

get you nowhere

C2 If something gets you nowhere, it does not help you to succeed.

Dictionary example:

Bad manners will get you nowhere.

Learner example:

As this is a loophole in [the] law system, it's creating a conflict between house-owners and squatters and getting them nowhere. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Korean)

get the picture

C2 used to say that someone understands a situation

Dictionary example:

Oh right, I get the picture.

Learner example:

If you use a photograph though, you can be sure that everyone will get the picture (pun intended) and pro[b]ably remember the person you're talking about next time they see him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

get underway

C2 to begin

Dictionary example:

The film festival gets underway on July 11th.

get sth off your chest

C2 to tell someone about something that you have been worried or angry about for a long time

Dictionary example:

Tell me what's wrong - you'll feel better if you get it off your chest.

Learner example:

Chris is always caring and lends you his ear if there's something you need to get off your chest. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

get across sth or get sth across

B2 to manage to make someone understand or believe something

Dictionary examples:

We tried to get our point across, but he just wouldn't listen.

This is the message that we want to get across to the public.

Learner example:

I am going to get across several ideas to improve the look of our town. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

get along

A2 to have a good relationship

Dictionary examples:

She and her new roommate are getting along.

He doesn't get along with his daughter.

I get along well with most of her friends.

Learner example:

She is a journalist at the local newspaper and we get along very well. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

get around (somewhere)

B1 to travel or move from place to place

Dictionary example:

The busses and subway make it easy to get around New York City.

Learner example:

The island isn't too big so I think we could get around on foot. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

get around to sth

B2 to do something that you have intended to do for a long time

Dictionary example:

I still haven't got around to fixing that faucet.

Learner example:

Dear Kim, I am terribly sorry not to drop you a line since the last time we wrote to one another. But I finally got around [to] writing and you'll see that it's defin[i]t[e]ly worth waiting as I have some great and unbeli[e]vable news to tell you. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

get at sth

B2 to be able to reach or get something

Dictionary example:

I've put the cake on a high shelf where the kids can't get at it.

be getting at sth

C1 If you ask someone what they are getting at, you are asking them what they really mean.

Dictionary example:

What do you think the poet is getting at in these lines?

Learner example:

The point I'm getting at is that you have to understand that young people look at sport[s] like school: it's something you do that makes you feel good afterward and computer games are something you do when you have some spare time. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

get away (ESCAPE)

B2 to leave or escape from a place or person, often when it is difficult to do this

Dictionary example:

We walked to the next beach to get away from the crowds.

Learner example:

[A] bicycle is a means of making new friends, and getting away from [your] daily routine. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

get away (GO SOMEWHERE)

B2 to go somewhere for a short vacation, often because you need to rest

Dictionary example:

I just need to get away for a few days.

Learner example:

I've enjoyed the peace of getting away, you know I needed it. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

get away with sth

B2 to succeed in not being criticized or punished for something

Dictionary example:

If I thought I could get away with it, I wouldn't pay any tax at all.

Learner example:

When the police arrived, the criminals had already disappeared: they got away with this murder. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

get back

A2 to return to a place after you have been somewhere else

Dictionary examples:

When we got back to the hotel, Ann had already left.

If you get back in time, you can come with us.

Learner example:

Will call you when I get back. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Gujarati)

get back sth or get sth back

B2 to be given something again that you had before

Dictionary examples:

He went next door to get his ball back.

Don't lend him money, you'll never get it back.

Learner example:

He hoped that he would get back his suitcase. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Tamil)

get back to sb

C1 to talk or write to someone at a later time to give them some information they asked for or because you were not able to speak to them before

Dictionary example:

I need to get back to Gary about his new computer.

Learner example:

I am awfully sorry for having been slow in getting back to you. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Korean)

get sb down

B2 to make someone feel unhappy

Dictionary example:

All this uncertainty is really getting me down.

Learner example:

But when I had finally reached the bottom of the valley seeing the whole ski group staring at me, the embarras[s]ment got me down. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

get down to sth

B2 to start doing something seriously and with a lot of attention and effort

Dictionary example:

Before we get down to business, I'd like to thank you all for coming today.

Learner example:

Let's get down to business! (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

get in (ENTER)

B1 to succeed in entering a place, especially a building

Dictionary example:

They must have gotten in through the bathroom window.

Learner example:

[W]e had to hang out in front of the Museum for almost one hour. When we finally got in there, the tour was very short. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

get in (ARRIVE)

B1 to arrive at a place at a particular time

Dictionary examples:

My flight gets in at 9:45 p.m.

When does Elaine get in?

get in (BE CHOSEN)

B2 to succeed in being chosen or elected

Dictionary example:

He wanted to go to Stanford, but he didn't get in.

Learner example:

For the first time I was trying to get in a University or a High College. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

get into sth (BE CHOSEN)

B2 to succeed in being chosen or elected

Dictionary example:

He got into Harvard.

Learner example:

A month later on, I finally got into a High College of Education, but almost 400 km from home. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

get into sth (BE INTERESTED)

C1 to become interested in an activity or subject, or start being involved in an activity

Dictionary example:

How did you get into journalism?

Learner example:

Taking everything into account, I truly believe that "Ethnos" is the most suitable newspaper to be placed in the library [...] for every student who would like to learn Greek deeply and get into the Greek culture and civili[z]ation. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

get off (sth)

A2 to leave a bus, train, aircraft or boat

Dictionary example:

We should get off at the next stop.

Learner example:

Then get off the bus in Obdland Village [and] walk up the road. (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Polish)

get on (sth)

A2 to go onto a bus, train, aircraft or boat

Dictionary example:

I think we got on the wrong bus.

Learner example:

Last Saturday I was running to get on the bus, but my schoolbag was open and the diary fell [out]. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

get on with sth

B2 to continue doing something, especially work

Dictionary example:

We don’t have all day to finish this job, so can we just get on with it?

Learner example:

I must go and get on with my homework. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

get out (LEAVE)

B1 to leave a closed vehicle, building, etc.

Dictionary example:

I'll get out when you stop at the traffic light.

Learner example:

Suddenly the lights went out and I was there, desper[ately] trying to find a way to get out of the house! (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

get out (DIFFERENT PLACES)

C1 to go out to different places and meet people in order to enjoy yourself

Dictionary example:

She doesn't get out as much now that she had the baby.

Learner example:

Since Internet, e-mails and mobile phones were invented, fewer people get out and meet friends. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

get out of sth/doing sth

B2 to avoid doing something that you do not want to do, especially by giving an excuse

Dictionary example:

If I can get out of going to the meeting tonight I will.

Learner example:

I must go to Tokyo on business that Wednesday afternoon. This is a kind of step up for me and I can't get out of it. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

get (sb/sth) out

C1 to escape from or leave a place, or to help someone do this

Dictionary example:

I left the door open and the cat got out.

Learner example:

"Don't panic, now, Lorraine", he answered me. "He may be a little .... um, eccentric, but I'm sure he'll get us out of here fine." (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

get over sth/sb (GET BETTER)

B2 to get better after an illness, or feel better after something or someone has made you unhappy

Dictionary examples:

She's still getting over the flu.

It took her months to get over the shock of Richard leaving.

Learner example:

First of all, she had had to get over the deaths of three close relatives in the last three years. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

can't/couldn't get over sth

B2 to be very shocked or surprised about something

Dictionary example:

I can't get over how different you look with short hair.

Learner example:

I can't get over how quickly you wrote to me. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

get through sth

B2 to succeed in an examination or competition

Dictionary example:

She got through her exams without too much trouble.

Learner example:

I know you want to get through your exams. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

get (sb) through sth

C1 to deal with a difficult or unpleasant experience, or to help someone do this

Dictionary examples:

My friendship with Carla got me through those tough months just after we moved.

We'll get you through this, Karen.

Learner example:

You see, my friend, how li[f]e can be a bit difficult but people manage to get through it. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

get through to sb

C1 to succeed in making someone understand or believe something

Dictionary example:

I just don't seem to be able to get through to him these days.

Learner example:

He should make the lesson interesting and should manage to get through to children. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

get to sb

C2 to make someone feel upset or angry

Dictionary example:

I know he's annoying but you shouldn't let him get to you.

Learner example:

But they are overprotective and it gets to me very much. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

get together

B1 to meet in order to do something or spend time together

Dictionary example:

A few of us are getting together next week for a drink.

Learner example:

During [a] Chinese wedding cer[e]mony, new couples wear traditional clothes and hold a party for friends and families getting together. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

get up

B2 to stand up

Dictionary example:

The whole audience got up and started clapping.

Learner example:

When I got up on my feet again I reached out my arm to get a hold on something, but there w[as]n't anything to hold on to. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

get (sb) up

A1 to wake up and get out of bed, or make someone do this

Dictionary examples:

I had to get up at five o'clock this morning.

Could you get the kids up?

Learner example:

My friend gets up early. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Panjabi)