get at

phrase

1

: to reach effectively

The valve is hard to get at unless you have a special tool.

2

: to influence corruptly : bribe

3

: to turn one's attention to

The committee finally got at the main issue.

4

: to try to prove or make clear

I don't understand what he's getting at.

Examples of get at in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are also some solid jokes that get at kitchen life, and Tony’s specific interests, and the story deftly captures his lifelong pursuit of the approval and protection of strong women. — Laurie Woolever, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026

The point of my story with a scout evaluating the Heat’s options is that such is what teams get at this late state of free agency. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Mosley's edible candles are meant to create conversation, encourage families to unplug and give restaurants a memorable experience customers can't get at home. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Which, of course, gets at the issue of boundaries on the job or the lack thereof; one friend told me about his real-estate-agent sister, who apparently sold a $3 million home from a hospital bed while in labor. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 29 July 2026

Rhymes for get at

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat