get into (someone or something)
1. To access or enter some place or thing. I forgot my key, so I can't get into the building. Get into the car—I'll tell you what happened on the way. Don't panic, I'm pretty sure we can get into the house through the basement.
2. To cause someone or something to enter some place or thing. In this usage, a noun of pronoun is used between "get" and "into." There's a storm coming, so get all the kids into the school right away! We need to get the supplies into the shed before it starts raining. How are we supposed to get all these cows back into the barn?
3. To arrive at some destination. What time does your plane get into LaGuardia? It's a long drive, so we won't get into the city until after midnight. If we don't hit much traffic, we should get into town around 8:00.
4. To grant someone access to something or some place. In this usage, a noun of pronoun is used between "get" and "into." This code will get you into the warehouse. The device scans your face—that's what gets you into the app. We adjusted your security clearance, so your new badge will get you into the building after hours.
5. To be granted admission to a particular school or program. I can't believe I got into Harvard! I would be shocked if you didn't get into their graduate program. I don't know if you'll get into the study abroad program—you're up against some stiff competition.
6. To use one's position or influence to cause someone to gain admittance to some organization or place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "into." Do you think your brother could get me into the club? I work backstage, so I could probably get you into the concert for free, if you want. I'm pretty sure it was Sarah's wealthy uncle who got her into Yale.
7. To win a publicly elected position. I still can't believe she got into office after all the scandals and controversies she's been involved in. Why am I surprised that yet another fool has gotten into City Hall? I'm not surprised that candidate got into the White House—he ran an excellent campaign.
8. To cause someone or something to fit into something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "into." I can't possibly get one more thing into my suitcase—you'll have to see if Mom has any room in hers. Let's see if we can get everyone into my van. I don't want to take two cars if we don't have to. Can we get one more person into this bed? I don't want to have to sleep on the floor!
9. To ensure that something, such as food, drink, or medicine, is ingested by or administered to someone or oneself. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "into." You'll need to get this antivenom into the patient as soon as possible. You look a bit thin. Here, get some food into you. How exactly do you expect me to get an antibiotic into this ornery cat?
10. To dress in some article of clothing. Kids, go get into your school uniforms right now—we're running late! I just need to go get into my suit before we go. You better get into your heavy winter coat because it's freezing out there!
11. To fit into a particular article of clothing. I'm having a hard time getting into this dress—can you zip it for me? I put on a little weight over the holidays, so hope I can still get in my jeans. Please, nobody with an ounce of fat can get into a body-con dress like that.
12. To use, access, or interfere with something, usually without permission to do so. A: "I think the cats got into their treats while we were at work today." B: "Yep, I just found the empty bag completely torn in half." My toddler got into my important papers for work and scattered them all over the house! Mom is going to freak out if you get into her fancy art supplies!
13. To become interested in or passionate about something. My daughter has gotten into sports all of sudden. Ugh, I just can't get into that show—the acting is terrible. These are some great photos. When did you get into photography?
14. To cause someone to become interested in something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "into." I've been trying to get my wife into video games, but she isn't interested in the slightest. The show is intended to get children into science at an early age. A: "Your ex-boyfriend got you into Game of Thrones?" B: "Yeah, but the storytelling in the early seasons really is masterful."
15. To begin working in a particular area or industry. I used to be a lawyer, but I got into nonprofit work a few years ago. She worked on special effects for films before getting into the video game industry. I have no idea how Dave got into medicine because I always knew him to be really squeamish around blood.
16. To cause someone or something to act in a surprising or unusual way. Wow, what has gotten into you? I can't believe you're just not going to work again today. Something been getting into the kids lately. They're way more hyperactive than usual. A: "What's gotten into Alicia? She's awfully cranky today." B: "I'm pretty sure she got bad news about our budget for this quarter."
17. To enter or attain a particular state or condition. I'm trying to get into shape for the wedding, but I hate going to the gym. I got into trouble for talking during class. Would you please be quiet? I'm trying to get into a calm state before I have to go out on stage.
18. To cause someone or something to enter a particular state or condition. We need to get the whole house into order before Grandma gets here. The news just got me into a bit of a bad mood. Can you have an intern get these files into alphabetical order?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get into something
1. to tamper with something; to open something and disturb the contents. Who got into my desk? Someone has been getting into my work after the office closes.
2. to put oneself into clothing. As soon as I get into this coat, I will help you load the car. Let me get into my boots, and then I'll be with you.
3. to enter something or some place. I got into the theater just before the rainstarted. Let's get into the car and go.
4. Sl. to become involved in something; to develop an interest in something. I can really get into sailing, I think. No matter how hard I try, I can't get into basketball.
5. to enter a particular type of business; to deal in a particular product in business. Yes, I used to work for the government, but now have gotten into private industry.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.