Get lost

'Get lost' is an informal and impolite way of telling somebody to go away. Often used as an imperative.

Examples

• Person A: "You really shouldn't have spoken to a customer like that." Person B: "Oh, get lost! You're not my boss."
• Get lost, Daniel! I'm sick of listening to your complaining.
• They tried to charge me for failing to turn up for my appointment, but I told them to get lost.

Get real

If you 'get real', you become realistic or practical about something. Can be used as an imperative.

Examples

• I hope the government gets real about tackling the housing crisis. It's getting out of hand.
• Let's get real about this - we cannot achieve most of our stated aims with such a limited budget.
• Get real! You can't trust Kevin and would be foolish to go into business with him.

Get the picture

If you 'get the picture', then you understand a particular situation.

Examples

• You don't need to keep explaining things to me. I get the picture.
• Henry was slow to pick up on what he needed to do initially, but I think he's getting the picture now.
• I told Anne in no uncertain terms that her recent poor performances would not be tolerated. She got the picture.

Get cracking

When you 'get cracking', you start doing or working on something, usually in an energetic way. Can be used as an imperative.

Examples

• We are up against it with this deadline, so let's get cracking!
• It's been nice talking to you, but I have a report to hand in tomorrow so I'd better get cracking on it.
• Don't worry about the speech. Eddie will be getting cracking on that tomorrow.

Get over (something/somebody)

If you 'get over something/somebody', you recover from or deal with something upsetting or unpleasant.

Examples

• Losing my dream job the way I did was heartbreaking for me. I don't know how I'll get over it.
• I couldn't get over how rude that shop assistant was to me! I will not be shopping there again.
• Getting over the death of her husband was the hardest thing Natasha has ever done.
• It took 6 weeks before I eventually got over the flu I picked up from the office.