20 English expressions with the word GET – with VIDEO!
Hi everyone! In today’s post, you’ll learn 20 common expressions with the word GET. Its a nice fun lesson with examples. Plus, you can also watch my YouTube video for some extra hints and tips. Let’s get started!
Number 1: to get to the bottom of something
Definition: to find the cause of a problem
Detectives are trying to get to the bottom of the case.
They are trying to find the cause to solve the mystery.
We need to get to the bottom of why our computers keep crashing.
We need to find the cause of the problem so we can fix it.
Number 2: to get something over with
Definition: to do something you don’t want to do, so you can stop thinking about it
A: I don’t want to call the dentist.
B: Just get it over with.
Do it so you can stop thinking about it.
I’m nervous about asking my boss for a raise. But, the sooner I get it over with, the better.
I need to do this so I can stop thinking about it.
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Number 3: to get something over and done with.
The same as #2, but more emphatic.
I prefer to get my taxes over and done with at the start of every year.
Number 4: to get over something
Definition : to recover from an illness or a sad event
It took me 2 weeks to get over my cold. I finally feel better.
It always takes time to get over a break-up.
Don’t confuse numbers 2, 3, and 4. Let’s compare:
Number 2/3:
A: Do we have to go over to Bianca’s house to see her new baby?
B: We have to do it eventually. Let’s just get it over with.
Number 4:
She never got over the death of her grandma.
Number 5: Don’t get me started.
Definition: I feel negatively about this topic. It’s best if I don’t start talking about it. If I do, I will talk about it for a long time in an angry way.
A: What do you think about your brother selling your grandma’s house?
B: Don’t get me started. That house has been in our family for generations.
Don’t get Tyler started on politics. Please.
Number 6: to get together
Definition: for two or more people to meet in a social situation
Can we get together sometime soon?
All of my classmates got together for a picnic on Saturday.
My cousins and I rarely get together.
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Number 7: to get something off your chest
Definition: to talk to someone about something that has been bothering you for a long time
I know something is worrying you. Come on, get it off your chest. You can talk to me.
I told the police everything I knew. It was good to get it off my chest.
Number 8: to get cold feet
Definition: to feel scared or nervous so you don’t want to do something
Usually you get cold feet before a big event like your wedding.
The groom got cold feet a week before the wedding and canceled everything.
I’ve canceled my driving test 3 times. I always get cold feet the day before.
*If someone gets cold feet we don’t know if they will actually cancel the event, but usually they do.
Number 9: to get your foot in the door
Definition: to start your career
Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door.
I’m volunteering at a vet clinic twice a week because I have to do something to get my foot in the door.
Number 10: Don’t get me wrong
Definition: Don’t think negatively of me, but this is my honest opinion.
We use the expression like this:
Don’t get me wrong + something positive, but + something negative
Don’t get me wrong, I think the new hospital is a good idea, but how much is this going to cost the taxpayer?
Don’t get me wrong, Linda is a good friend of mine, but I’m not interested in helping her with all of her personal problems.
Number 11: to get carried away
Definition: to become so excited that you cannot control your thoughts or actions.
It’s like the snowball effect. You start with a little snowball, and it gets bigger and bigger and soon you can’t control it.
I got carried away planning my husband’s surprise birthday party and invited over 200 guests to our house.
My dog gets carried away when playing and starts to bite.
Number 12: to get your hopes up
Definition: to become excited before anything happens.
I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I think I got the job.
Don’t get your hopes up about going to the beach this Saturday. It looks like it’s going to rain.
Number 13: to get by
Definition: to have the minimum amount of money to survive
After I lost my job, I managed to get by on my savings.
I work three jobs just to get by.
Number 14: to get one’s way
Definition: to get what you want despite what other people might want
Sue always gets her way because she’s the little sister.
We all know Jeff will get his way because he’s the boss’s son.
Number 15: can’t get enough of something
Definition: you love something so much, you want more
Usually we are speaking about food.
I can’t get enough of my grandma’s cooking.
Fans can’t get enough of her music. They love her music, they want more.
Number 16: something gets on your nerves
Definition: something annoys you and makes you a little angry
One of my colleagues gets on my nerves because she breathes so loudly. I can’t focus on my work.
All of these spam emails get on my nerves. I get over 50 per day!
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Number 17: to get bad press
Definition: to be criticized in the news
If our bank gets bad press, we are ruined!
It seems to me that the president gets bad press no matter what he does.
Number 18: to get going
Number 19: to get moving
Definition: you need to leave because you have something else planned / something else to do
A: Would you like another cup of tea?
B: No thanks. I need to get going. / I need to get moving.
Our train leaves in an hour. We should get going. We should get moving.
Number 20: to get the hang of something
Definition: to learn and understand how to do something over time
A: How do you feel about using the present perfect?
B: I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.
I think I’m slowly starting to understand it.
I’m struggling in my new job, but I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it.
Thank you so much for reading today’s blogpost! Which expression was your favourite? Let me know in the comments below, I can’t wait to hear from you!
Thanks alot, ıt was so helpful.
I can’t thank you enough, Arnel… you´re the best… you´re awesome 🙂
That’s so kind of you Claudio! Thank you so much 🙂 🙂