The word get is one of the most frequently used words in the entire English language. With well over 100 distinct definitions and senses, plus around 50 common phrasal verb combinations, it is practically impossible to have an everyday conversation in English without relying on this versatile little word. Because of its sheer flexibility and ubiquity, “get” forms the foundation of dozens of essential English expressions. Here is a categorized guide to 28 of the most common idioms featuring the word GET, grouped by structure to help you master them quickly!
Idioms Starting with “Get A”
- Get a Fix: To acquire a needed dose of an addictive drug; informally, to engage in a favorite habitual food, activity, or routine.
- Get a Fix on Something: To accurately determine the physical position of an aircraft, ship, or object; figuratively, to clearly understand the basic facts of a situation.
- Get a Kick Out of Something: To derive enjoyment, amusement, or a lighthearted thrill from an activity or experience.
- Get a Word in Edgewise: To manage to contribute a comment to a conversation when others are speaking continuously without stopping.
Idioms Starting with “Get The”
- Get the Memo: To be aware of information or changes that everyone else already knows about (most frequently used in the negative: “didn’t get the memo”).
- Get This Show on the Road: To put a plan or enterprise into motion; to begin an activity without further delay.
- Get (or Have) the Last Laugh: To ultimately succeed or triumph over critics, doubters, or rivals after facing initial setbacks or skepticism.
- Get (Have, or Be) the Last Word: To make the final conclusive statement in an argument, or to possess the ultimate decision-making authority in a process.
See: 30 English Idioms With Run
Idioms Starting with “Get Your” or “Get One’s”
- Get One’s Just Deserts: To receive the exact reward or punishment that one fairly deserves based on past actions.
- Get One’s Second Wind: To experience a resurgence of energy, strength, or regular breathing after a period of exhaustion, allowing one to continue a task.
- Get Your Act Together: To organize your affairs, time, or behavior in a more disciplined, focused, and effective manner.
- Get Your Dander Up: To become intensely irritated, angry, or agitated; to lose one’s temper.
- Get Your Ducks in a Row: To ensure all details, preparations, and elements are well-organized and properly managed before taking action.
- Get Your (or Someone’s) Goat: To deeply annoy, provoke, or frustrate someone.
- Get One’s Marching Orders: To be dismissed or fired from a job; or to receive explicit instructions to proceed with a directive.
Idioms Involving “Get Something”
- Get Something Down: To master or become proficient at a skill; to swallow food or drink with effort; or to write down notes quickly.
- Get Something Out of Your System: To satisfy a lingering desire or emotion completely so that it no longer preoccupies your mind.
- Get Wind of Something: To hear about or discover private or secret information, usually through informal channels or rumors.
Action & Directional Idioms with GET
- Get Along: To maintain friendly, harmonious relations with others; or to manage and survive reasonably well in life.
- Get Away From It All: To escape routine daily pressures by taking a relaxing holiday or retreat.
- Get Away with Murder: To do something wrong, foolish, or irresponsible without suffering any disciplinary consequences.
- Get By: To manage to survive, meet financial obligations, or accomplish a task despite having limited resources.
- Get Down to Brass Tacks: To eliminate unnecessary pleasantries or theories and focus immediately on the essential facts of a matter.
- Get In On the Ground Floor: To become involved in an organization, business venture, or project at its earliest stage.
- Get Out of My Hair: A direct request or command telling someone to stop bothering, interfering with, or annoying you.
- Get Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed: To begin the day in an unprovoked bad mood and remain irritable toward others all day.
- When the Going Gets Tough (The Tough Get Going): A proverb meaning that strong or resilient people step up and work harder when circumstances become difficult.
- Get With It / Get With the Program: To pay attention, adopt modern ways of thinking, or conform to established rules and expectations.