get (redirected from getting)

(Are) things getting you down?

Are everyday issues bothering you? Jane: Gee, Mary, you look sad. Are things getting you down? Tom: What's the matter, Bob? Things getting you down? Bob: No, I'm just a little tired.

See also: thing

(I'm) just getting by.

an expression indicating that one is just surviving financially or otherwise. Bob: How you doing, Tom? Tom: Just getting by, Bob. "I wish I could get a better job," remarked Tom. "I'm just getting by as it is."

See also: just

(I've) been getting by.

Inf. a response to a greeting inquiry into one's well-being indicating that one is having a hard time surviving or that things could be much better. (See also (I'm) just getting by.) John: How are things? Jane: Oh, I've been getting by. Sue: How are you doing? Mary: Been getting by. Things could be better.

See also: been

give as good as one gets

Fig. to give as much as one receives; to pay someone back in kind. (Usually in the present tense.) John can take care of himself in a fight. He can give as good as he gets. Sally usually wins a formal debate. She gives as good as she gets.

See also: give, good, one

How are you getting on?

How are you managing?; How are you doing? Jane: Well, Mary, how are you getting on? Mary: Things couldn't be better. Sue: Hey, John! How are you getting on? What's it like with all the kids out of the house? John: Things are great, Sue!

See also: how

How is someone getting along?

How is someone feeling or progressing? How is your father getting along? Is he any better?

See also: how

It takes (some) getting used to.

It is very unpleasant at first, but after a time it will not be so bothersome. (Said in recognition of the unpleasantness of something.) I never ate raw oysters before. It takes some getting used to. These hot Mexican dishes seem impossible at first. They take some getting used to, I agree. But it's worth it.

See also: take, used

squeaking wheel gets the oil and squeaky wheel gets the oil

Prov. People who complain the most will get attention or what they want. If you don't get good service at the hotel, make sure to tell the manager that you're dissatisfied. The squeaking wheel gets the oil.

See also: oil, squeak, wheel

when the going gets tough and if the going gets tough; when the going gets rough; if the going gets rough

as things get extremely difficult; when it becomes difficult to proceed. When the going gets tough, I will be there to help you. If the going gets tough, just give me a call.

See also: going, tough

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Prov. When things are difficult, strong people take action and do not despair. (Can be used to encourage someone to take action.) The football team was losing the game, so at half time the coach reminded them that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Jill: I don't think I can walk all the way to the top of this hill; it's so steep! Jane: Don't give up. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

See also: going, tough

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when somebody/something sneezes, somebody/something catches a cold  (mainly British) also if somebody/something catches a cold, somebody/something gets pneumonia (mainly British)

when one person or organization has a problem, this problem has a much worse effect on another person or organization When New York sneezes, I'm afraid London catches a cold - that is just the way the stock markets operate now. If the country's economy catches a cold, local businesses get pneumonia.

See hard cash, catch cold, leave cold, leave out in the cold, in a sweat

See also: catch, cold

when the going gets rough/tough

when a situation becomes difficult or unpleasant I run the farm on my own, but a local boy helps me out when the going gets tough.

See also: going, rough

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somebody gets religion

someone's behavior suddenly changes because of a better understanding of something After the attacks, the administration suddenly got religion about tracking down terrorists' bank accounts.

Usage notes: usually said to show you think someone should have changed their behavior sooner

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of get religion (to suddenly become very religious)

See also: religion

getting on (in years)

becoming old She's getting on in years, but she's healthy.

getting on in years

becoming old She's getting on in years, but she's healthy.

See also: year

getting on toward also getting on for

almost at a particular time School had started and it was getting on toward Thanksgiving.

Usage notes: sometimes used without toward or for: It was getting on 8:00 a.m.

See also: toward

getting there is half the fun

what happens before doing something is a large part of what makes that thing enjoyable If you like model railroads, getting there is half the fun when you design and build your own layout.

Usage notes: also used in the form half the fun (what makes something enjoyable): Half the fun of eating out is not having any dishes to wash.

See also: fun, half

when the going gets tough also when the going gets rough

when a situation becomes difficult or unpleasant I run the farm on my own, but a local boy helps me out when the going gets tough.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form if the going gets tough and sometimes followed by the tough get going or, for a humorous effect, the tough go shopping: When Anna gets upset, she goes out and buys something - you know, when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.

See also: going, tough