-
1
suggest or implyto try to say or suggest something without saying it directly.
-
2
reachto be able to reach or access something, especially something difficult to get to.
Spot the meaning
Which one is it?
Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.
All meanings, in depth
Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.
1
B2get at sthspokenMost common
to try to say or suggest something without saying it directly.
I’m not sure what you’re getting at—can you explain more clearly?
A: Are you saying I made a mistake?
B: No, that’s not what I’m getting at.
In the discussion, the speaker was getting at the idea that technology can sometimes make life more complicated.
Common mistake
✗What do you get at?
✓What are you getting at?
This sense is usually in the continuous: 'what are you getting at?'.
Tell it apart
What are you getting at?
what are you implying?What are you looking at?
what are you viewing?Use 'get at' when someone is hinting at something, not saying it openly.Not the same as 'get' meaning 'understand'.
Often paired with
what + getting at
to be able to reach or access something, especially something difficult to get to.
The files are stored so high up that I can’t get at them without a ladder.
A: Where’s the sugar?
B: It’s at the back of the cupboard—I can’t get at it.
Sometimes, important information is hard to get at if it’s hidden deep in a website.
Common mistake
✗I can't get at to the top shelf.
✓I can't get at the top shelf.
'Get at' takes the object directly — no 'to'.
Tell it apart
I can't get at the box under the bed.
reach itWhat are you getting at?
implying / suggestingUse 'get at' for reaching or accessing things, not for arriving at places.Different from 'get to', which usually means 'arrive at a place'.
Often paired with
get at + object
Turn this into speaking practice
Practise one meaning at a time and save the ones you mix up for review.