Definition & Meaning of "get at"

to get at

[phrase form: get]

to cause irritation or annoyance to someone

to be able to have access to or reach something

to try to bribe or corrupt someone in power

to reach an understanding of something through questioning, investigation, or analysis

to contact or reach someone, especially when this is difficult or requires some effort

to criticize or attack someone, usually in a subtle or indirect manner

Example

The constant noise from the construction site next door really gets at me.

Her persistent questions about my personal life really get at me.

His habit of tapping his pen on the desk during meetings gets at everyone in the room.

Corrupt officials often get at law enforcement agencies to avoid prosecution.

He couldn't get at his email because he forgot the password.

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