1. get the impression = think, have an idea or opinion:
I get the impression you’re a bit annoyed with me. Have I done something wrong?
2. get a shock = be very surprised, especially by something unpleasant:
You’ll get a shock when you see him. He looks at least ten years older.
3. get out of the way = move to one side to allow somebody or something to pass:
I tried to walk past him but he wouldn’t get out of the way. He just stood there, blocking the path.
4. get rid of = throw away, make yourself free of somebody or something:
I want to get rid of that awful painting, but I can’t because it was a wedding present from my mother-in-law.
5. get your own back on = take revenge on somebody:
I’m going to get my own back on my brother for telling my parents I got back late. Next time he asks to borrow my bike, I won’t lend it to him.
6. get real = used for telling someone that they should try to understand the true facts of a situation and not hope for what is impossible:
Get real! There is no way you can afford that car!
7. get a life = something you say to a boring person when you want them to do more exciting things:
Get a life! You are 35 and you’re still living with your parents!
8. get on someone’s nerves = to annoy someone a lot:
She really gets on my nerves. Everything about her irritates me, her voice, her smile – everything!
9. get a grip (on yourself) = to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly:
I just think he ought to get a grip on himself – he’s behaving like a child.
10. get a move on = to hurry:
We need to get a move on if we’re going to catch a train.
11. get a feel for something = to begin to understand how to do something well:
I practised for a few hours before I really got a feel for the best way to do it.
12. get (something) through (to somebody) = to succeed in making someone understand or believe in something:
I’ve tried to talk about it, but I just can’t get through to him.
13. get away with something = do something wrong without getting caught or punished:
She’s cheated in exams several times but she always gets away with it.
14. get out of = avoid a responsibility or an obligation:
I want to get out of going to Ann’s party. Can you think of a good excuse?