get at
Hint toward meaning
To get at something is to reach or access it, often with difficulty: The wiring is hard to get at behind that wall.
Extended meanings include discovering the truth (What are you trying to get at?), implying something indirectly (I see what you're getting at), or persistently criticizing someone: She's always getting at him about his drinking.
In British slang, to get at a witness or jury is to tamper with them through bribery or threats.
Offer an idea indirectly
- hintIndirect suggestion
- insinuateSuggest without directly stating
- alludeRefer indirectly
- meanAverage, or spiteful
intimate · infer · indicate · convey · signify · refer to · implication · innuendo
Extend to touch
- retrieveGet something back
- obtainCome into possession of
- uncoverReveal what's hidden
- locateDiscover the position of
find · extract · dig out · penetrate · enter · approach · attain · secure
Right to enter
- graspSeize or understand
- touchPerceiving through physical contact
- grabSeize abruptly
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
retrieve · seize · lay hands on · attain · come to
suggest
Offer an idea indirectly
mean · intimate · infer · indicate · convey · signify · refer to · implication · innuendo · subtext
reach
Extend to touch
locate · find · extract · dig out · penetrate · enter · approach · attain · secure · acquire
access
Right to enter
corrupt
Dishonest, open to bribes
- bribeIllicit payment for favor
- tamperInterfere harmfully
- intimidateInstill fear to control
pressure · sway · manipulate · coerce · threaten · fix · rig · buy off · lean on · nobble
nag
Pester repeatedly
needle · badger · hassle · annoy · irritate · pester · harass · bother · taunt · ridicule
get atpraise
Expression of approval
support · compliment · leave alone · defend · back off