get to (someone or something)

1. To physically reach something. I just can't get to that box on the top shelf without the ladder. How exactly am I supposed to get to the gutter from all the way down here? Do you need a stool to get to the stuff on top on the refrigerator?

2. To arrive at a destination. When do you guys think you'll get to the party? Our flight was delayed, so we got to Miami an hour later than anticipated. I'm sorry, I haven't gotten to the computer lab yet, so I don't have those printouts for you.

3. To be able to contact someone. A: "Has anyone been able to get to Aunt Mildred? Is she OK?" B: "Yeah, I talked to her yesterday." How am I supposed to get to Uncle Kevin when he has no cell phone or email address? Has anyone gotten to Grandma since the storm hit?

4. To address or tackle something, such as a task. Let me finish washing the silverware and then I'll get to those other dishes. Please tell me you're finally going to get to this filing today. We are never going to get to cleaning out the attic this weekend, are we?

5. To confront someone, typically someone inaccessible, in order to influence them illegally, such as through bribery or threats. If they suddenly changed their story, it's because one of his thugs got to them first. With enough money, you can get to a lot of people and manufacture whatever legal outcome you need. Don't worry, boss, I got to the witness, and she's clear on what she needs to tell the police.

6. To bother someone. As much as I enjoy the spring, it's not long until my allergies start to get to me. How is no one else bothered by that annoying alarm? It got to me about one minute after it started going off! All right, it's time for me to take something—this headache is really getting to me.

7. To bring something or ensure that something is delivered to someone. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "to." Can you get this textbook to Jane by first period tomorrow? Did the guy at the post office tell you when the package would get to Mom? Yeah, I'll see Linda this weekend, so I can get your card to her, no problem.

get to someone

1. in. [for someone or something] to annoy someone after a period of exposure to the annoyance. The whole business began to get to me after a while.

2. in. [for someone or something] to please or entice someone. Sad music gets to me and makes me cry.