get it

1. Understand something, as in He claims his plan is reasonable, but I'm not sure I get it . This synonym for catch on was popularized during the 1980s through a televised political debate in which presidential nominee Ronald Reagan told his opponent, You just don't get it, do you ? This particular phrase has since been repeated in numerous contexts where one is expressing exasperation at someone's failure to understand something. The phrase is also put in the past tense, got it , meaning “understood.” For example, We're leaving tomorrow.—OK, got it . [ Colloquial ; late 1800s] Also see get the message .

2. See catch it .

Example Sentences

He has a long road ahead, but he says, “I just get it done.”

From Los Angeles Times

But from this winter, it will be restricted to those on low incomes receiving certain benefits, meaning around 9 million pensioners will no longer get it.

From BBC

She adds: “I get it — it’s entertainment. We’re glamorous, and we fight about stupid stuff. I understand that. But I also think that if it’s reality, you have to show what’s really happening.”

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s spokesman, Steven Cheung, called the decision by the court a “total and definitive victory for President Trump” and said that Trump’s “legal team is moving to get it dismissed once and for all.”

From Salon

"We get it from both sides," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• comprehend
• get
• grasp
• know
• recognize
• think
• understand