gets, got, gotten, getting
to get at
phrasal verb
To criticize someone repeatedly
- 1She's always getting at him for being late.
- 2Stop getting at me about my grades.
When a person says unkind things to someone again and again, they are making that person feel bad. They keep pointing out mistakes or problems, not just once, but many times. This can hurt the other person's feelings because it happens often, not just one time.
Teachers or parents might "get at" children if they keep telling them to clean their room or do homework, making the child feel picked on.
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at a theme park
A Day of Fun and Criticism
Patricia
Edward, why do you always get at me for not liking roller coasters?
Edward
I'm not trying to get at you, Patricia, I just think you're missing out on the fun.
Patricia
Well, it feels like you're always pointing it out.
Edward
I didn't mean to upset you, let's just enjoy the day.
while getting a haircut
Snip and Critique
Frank
Every time I come here, my boss finds something new to get at me about.
Dorothy
That sounds frustrating. Maybe it's time to talk to them about it.
Frank
I know, but it's like they never stop finding faults.
Dorothy
Well, at least you can relax here for a bit.
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Similar to "to get at":
- 1criticize
- 2nag
to get at meanings: