getting at
Trying to convey
Getting at has several related senses.
To get at something is to reach or access it: The wiring is hard to get at behind the wall.
To get at the truth is to discover it.
When you ask what someone is getting at, you're asking what point they're trying to make: I'm not sure what you're getting at.
To get at someone (British) is to criticize or nag them repeatedly.
- suggestingOffering an idea indirectly
- implyingSuggesting without stating directly
- driving atMeaning to convey
- connotingImplying beyond literal meaning
- intimatingConveying indirectly
trying to say · referring · hinting · indicate · discern · meaning · insinuate · needling · picking on · uncover · allude · irritating · penetrate · signifying · expressing · infer · comprehend · interpret
- tauntstaunts, taunt, taunting, neener neener, insults
getting atspelling out
Stating something explicitly
cutting to the chase · speaking frankly · declaring · laying it out · telling it like it is
getting atavoiding
Deliberately staying clear
keeping away from · leaving alone · inaccessible · out of reach
getting atleaving alone
Ceasing to disturb
praising · supporting · encouraging · accepting · laying off