get on
(redirected from get on for)get (something) on (someone)
1. To have incriminating or unfavorable proof against someone, as for some crime, wrongdoing, or misbehavior. Go to the police, for all I care! You haven't got anything on me! If we want to nail him for fraud, we'll need to get more on him than a few questionable phone calls.
2. To have a particular advantage over someone. You may think you can beat me, but I've got 10 years' experience on you.
get on
To fare, cope, or manage. We've been getting on well ever since my husband got a new job. Let me know how you get on at your new job.
get on (one)
1. To bother or nag one (about something). I always have to get on the kids about cleaning their rooms. I really wish the boss would stop getting on me about the report—I already told him I'd have it finished by the end of the week!
2. To obtain or possess some incriminating information about one. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "on." The police are convinced the CEO is responsible, but they haven't gotten anything on her yet. We need proof, not speculation. Come back to me when you've got something on him, and then we'll press charges.
get on (something)
1. To board something. I think we need to get on the express train.
2. To help someone to board something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "on." Will you get Uncle Joe on the bus? He isn't sure where the stop is.
3. To dress oneself in some item of clothing. Let me get on my coat and I'll come out and take a look.
4. To begin to do something. A: "Can you make 100 copies of this document?" B: "Yes sir, I'll get on it right now."
5. To delegate a particular task or responsibility to someone. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "on." Hey, get one of the interns on this copying job.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get someone on(to) someone or something
to assign someone to attend to someone or something. Get someone onto the injured man in the hall right now. Get someone on the telephone switchboard at once!
get on (in years)
to grow older; to be aged. Aunt Mat-tie is getting on in years. They were both getting on in years.
get on (with someone)
and get along (with someone)to be friends with someone; to have a good relationship with someone. (The friendship is always assumed to be good unless it is stated to be otherwise.) How do you get on with John? I get along with John just fine. We get along.
get on (without someone or something)
to survive and carry on without someone or something. I think we can get on without bread for a day or two. Can you get on without your secretary for a while?
get on someone
Fig. to pester someone (about something); to pressure someone. John is supposed to empty the trash every day. He didn't do it, so I will have to get on him. It's time to get on Bill about his homework. He's falling behind.
get on
(something) to enter a conveyance; to get aboard something; to climb onto something. They just announced that it's time to get on the airplane. The bus stopped, and I got on. The child was afraid to get on the train. Where did you get on?
get on(to) someone (about something)
Fig. to remind someone about something. I'll have to get onto Sarah about the deadline. I'll get on Gerald right away.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
get on
1. Also, get upon. Climb on, mount. For example, They say one should get back on a horse as soon as one's fallen off. [Early 1600s]
2. See get along, def. 1.
3. See get along, def. 2.
4. See get along, def. 4. Also see along in years.
5. get on in the world or company , etc. Prosper or succeed, as in Her inheritance has helped her get on in society, or Dad asked if Bill was getting on in the company. [Early 1800s]
6. get on with it. Move ahead, pursue one's work. For example, We've spent enough time talking about it; now let's get on with it. [Early 1800s]
7. get on for. Advance toward an age, amount, time, and so on. For example, It's getting on for noon, so we'd better eat lunch. This usage is often put in the participial form, getting on for. [Mid-1800]
8. See turn on, def. 3. Also see the subsequent entries beginning with 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 on
v.
1. To place oneself on something that supports, holds, or carries: I got on the train to California. The bus was packed, but I was still able to get on.
2. To place something on some object that supports, holds, or carries: Once I got the kids on the bus, I was alone for the day.
3. To place something, especially clothing, on oneself: I got my coat and hat on and left the dull party. The kids got on their boots and played in the snow.
4. To be or continue to be on harmonious terms with someone; get along: I always got on well with my roommate. Our children get on very well together.
5. To manage or fare reasonably well: How are you getting on?
6. To make progress with something; continue something: Stop complaining about the work and get on with it. I'll get right on your request!
7. To approach old age: My grandparents are getting on in years, so they bought a condominium in Arizona.
8. get on to To acquire understanding or knowledge of something; catch on to something: We eventually got on to the way our landlord was manipulating us.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.