get a fix on (one)

To have a firm, clear understanding of one. You have to trust me—I've gotten a fix on him, and I'm pretty sure he's gambling again. I could tell my wife got a fix on me by the end of our first date. Please, it doesn't take me long to get a fix on young punks like him. I know he's up to no good.

See also: fix, get, on

get a fix on (something)

1. To have a firm, clear understanding or determination of something. Go down to the circuit breaker and see if you can get a fix on what's causing the power outages. I'd gotten a pretty good fix on the concept after spending an hour with the tutor. I thought I had gotten a pretty good fix on English idioms, but I don't understand this one at all!

2. To have a target clearly in one's sights. I had to maneuver the helicopter around the buildings until our gunner could get a fix on the sniper. I knew I could knock him out if I landed a good punch, but he moved so quick that I just couldn't get a fix on him. Sir, I can't get a fix on the criminal without also endangering his hostage!

See also: fix, get, on

get a fix on

Also, have a fix on; get or have a handle on ; get or have a grasp of . Obtain (or have) a clear determination or understanding of something. For example, I was finally able to get a fix on the specifics of this problem, or No one in the press room had a handle on Balkan history, or Do you have a grasp of the situation? Similarly, give a fix means "provide a clear understanding," as in This briefing will give us a fix on the current situation. The usages with fix and handle are colloquialisms dating from the 1920s; those with grasp are more formal and date from the late 1600s.

See also: fix, get, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

get a fix on

1 determine the position of an aircraft, ship, etc., by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observation. 2 assess or determine the nature or facts of; obtain a clear understanding of. informal

2 1993 Independent on Sunday You do not necessarily get a fix on life by fooling around with the fictive process.

See also: fix, get, on

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