get after - Definition & Meaning

get after

Third Person

gets after

Present Participle

getting after

Past Tense

got after

Past Participle

gotten after

to take action or make an effort to pursue or attain something

transitive

He's spending too much time on social media instead of getting after his work responsibilities.
When opportunities arise, he doesn't hesitate to get after them.
She always gets after her passions, no matter the obstacles.
In pursuit of his dream job, he's ready to get after it with unwavering dedication.
The team decided to get after the championship and put in their best effort.

to pursue or follow someone persistently

transitive

The detective decided to get after the suspect, tailing him discreetly through the crowded streets.
Determined to find out the truth, the journalist resolved to get after the elusive source.
The paparazzi relentlessly got after the celebrity.
Curious about the mysterious figure, Sarah discreetly got after the stranger who had been appearing at odd hours.
In espionage, skilled agents are trained to get after their targets without being detected.

to persistently encourage or motivate someone to take action or improve their performance

transitive

He's a great motivator; he can get after you without making you feel pressured.
The manager decided to get after the employees to meet the project deadline.
The coach knows how to get after the players and drive them to give their best on the field.
I need to get after the kids to do their homework.

to scold or reprimand someone for their behavior or past actions

transitive

After the messy room was discovered, Mom had to get after the kids to clean it up.
The coach had to get after the players for not following the team's strategy during the game.
The teacher had to get after the students to complete their assignments on time.
The supervisor got after the team members for not meeting the project deadlines.
Seeing the neglected garden, she had to get after her siblings to take care of the plants.

to start something with passion and enthusiasm

transitive

Motivated by a new project, the team decided to get after the tasks with enthusiasm.
Recognizing the need for change, the manager encouraged the staff to get after improving customer service.
After setting ambitious goals, he was determined to get after them with focused effort.
Inspired by a new opportunity, the entrepreneur was ready to get after expanding the business.
Feeling energized after a break, she decided to get after her studies with a renewed commitment.

to manage to understand a concept or idea

transitive

Despite the challenging language, she studied diligently until she could get after the meaning of the literature.
The teacher patiently worked with the students until each one could get after the principles of the scientific experiment.
At first, the concept seemed confusing, but after seeking clarification, the students were able to get after the logic behind it.
It took a few tries, but with practice, he finally managed to get after the intricacies of the computer programming language.
By breaking down the steps, the coach helped the team get after the strategies required for success on the field.