get through
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get through
1. To pierce or pass through something. This blade isn't sharp enough to get through such thick material. There's a big crowd up near the stage. Let's see if we can get through to the front. How am I supposed to get through the crowded lobby with this cart?
2. To endure some experience. I don't know how she managed to get through that traumatizing experience. Yeah, lots of people get through difficult childhoods, but not without invisible scars. How am I supposed to get through this tough transition without you?
3. To help someone to endure some experience. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "through." Do we have enough water to get us through the period of quarantine? You were always there for me. You got me through the worst times. I know this will be a tough transition, but you don't need me to get you it—you're more than capable of that.
4. To be able to reach or contact someone. Nope, the line is busy—I can't get through. I've been trying to get through to my lawyer, but she's vacationing on some remote Mediterranean island right now. What am I supposed to do? I can't get through to the fire department!
5. To complete something. Once I get through my last year of school, I'm taking a long vacation, that's for sure! Once you get through this last lung surgery, there's a very good chance you'll be cancer-free. It took me an extra year to finish my thesis and get through grad school.
6. To communicate in a way that makes one acknowledge, accept, or understand something. She just will not listen to me—I don't know how to get through to her. To best way to get through to these kids is to be honest with them. It's not like I want a divorce! There's just no other way for me to get through to my husband about how unhappy I am.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get someone or something through (to someone or something)
to manage to get someone or something transported or connected to someone or something. I hope I can get her through to her hometown in Italy. Do you think I can get this parcel through to Istanbul?
get someone through (to someone or something)
to manage to get something to someone or some place. Can I get a message through to Rome? I hope Bob can get word through to his cousin.
get someone through something
and get someone through1. Lit. to manage to help someone move through some kind of barrier or tight opening. I will do what I can to get you through the front office. From then on, it's up to you. The first opening is tight. I can help you get through, but not beyond that.
2. Fig. to help someone survive some ordeal. The medication got her through the pain of the surgery. We will get you through while you recover. Don't worry.
get through (to something)
to make contact by radio or telephone with a company, organization, or group. I could not get through to the police because the telephone line was down. Harry couldn't get through to his office.
get through (with someone or something)
1. to manage to transport someone or something through difficulties or barriers. Customs was a mess, but we got through with all our baggage in only twenty minutes. I got through with my aged father without any trouble.
2. Go to through with someone or something.
get through
(something)1. Lit. to penetrate something. We couldn't get through the hard concrete with a drill, so we will have to blast. The hardest drill bit we have couldn't get through.
2. Fig. to complete something; to manage to finish something. I can't wait till I get through school. I'll get through college in five years instead of four.
3. Fig. to survive something; to go through something. This is a busy day. I don't know how I'll get through it. Sally hopes to get through college while still working full-time and being a mother.
get through
(to someone)1. Lit. to reach someone; to manage to communicate to someone. I called her on the telephone time after time, but I couldn't get through to her. I tried every kind of communication, but I couldn't get through.
2. Lit. to pass through (something) to reach someone. The crowd was so thick that I couldn't get through to him. I couldn't get through security without taking off my shoes and being searched.
3. Fig. to make someone understand something; to get something through someone's thick skull. Why don't you try to understand me? What do I have to do to get through to you? Can anybody get through, or are you just stubborn?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
get through
1. Reach the end, finish, complete, as in Now that our computer system is working again, I should get through by mid-afternoon. It is also put as get through with, as in As soon as we get through with painting the kitchen, I'll call you. [Mid-1600s]
2. Succeed in passing or surviving something, as in This epidemic is awful, but I'm sure we'll get through it somehow. [Mid-1700s]
3. Also, get through to someone. Make contact with or reach someone, as in After trying to reach them all night, we got finally through, or He tried to get through to the family. [Late 1800s]
4. Also get through to. Make oneself understood, as in Am I getting through to you? [Colloquial; mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
get through
v.
1. To arrive at the end of something, especially something difficult; finish something: I got through the speech without making a single mistake. It took me a week to get through the book.
2. get through with To bring something to an end; complete something: You can go outside as soon as you get through with your homework.
3. get through with To complete an assault or attack on someone: As soon as I get through with this guy, I'm coming after you. You'll be penniless after my lawyers get through with you.
4. To manage or survive through some ordeal: The company got through the war by manufacturing uniforms. The tornado destroyed our house, but somehow we got through unharmed.
5. To cause or help someone to manage or survive some period of time: The snowstorm trapped us in the cabin, but our ample supplies of food and firewood got us through. The well-stocked library got me through many boring nights.
6. To succeed in making contact with someone or something; reach someone or something: I tried to get through to an operator, but I couldn't get past the recording. If the line is busy, keep calling until you get through.
7. To make oneself understood by someone: I warned the children about the dangers of playing in the street, but I am afraid that I didn't get through. The teacher hoped to get through to the students by relating the subject to popular music.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.