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to get at
[phrase form: get]
01
to cause irritation or annoyance to someone
Transitive: to get at sb
Examples
The constant noise from the construction site next door really gets at me.
His habit of tapping his pen on the desk during meetings gets at everyone in the room.
02
to reach an understanding of something through questioning, investigation, or analysis
Transitive: to get at sth
Examples
I ca n't quite get at what the author is trying to say in this book.
She 's always so secretive; it 's hard to get at her true feelings.
03
to be able to have access to or reach something
Transitive: to get at sth
Examples
The key to the safe was lost, so they could n't get at the valuable documents inside.
I ca n't seem to get at the back of the cupboard; it's too cluttered.
04
to try to bribe or corrupt someone in power
Transitive: to get at someone in power
Examples
The company executives tried to get at the politicians by offering bribes for favorable legislation.
Corrupt officials often get at law enforcement agencies to avoid prosecution.
05
to contact or reach someone, especially when this is difficult or requires some effort
Transitive: to get at sb
Examples
I 've been trying to get at my old friend from college, but his phone number has changed.
She 's in a remote area, and it 's hard to get at her through conventional means of communication.
06
to criticize or attack someone, usually in a subtle or indirect manner
Transitive: to get at someone's shortcoming or mistake
Examples
He started to get at his opponent's weaknesses during the debate.
The critics did n't hesitate to get at the flaws in the movie.
