get at

get at  {v.}

1. To reach an understanding of; find out the meaning.

This book is very hard to get at.

2. To do harm to.

The cat is on the chair trying to get at the canary.

Compare: GET BACK AT.

3. To have a chance to do; attend to.

I hope I have time to get at my homework tonight.

Compare: GET TO (2).

4. To mean; aim at; hint at.

What was Betty getting at when she said she knew our secret?

What the teacher was getting at in this lesson was that it is important to speak correctly.

Syn.: DRIVE AT.

Compare: GET ACROSS.