20240822生成俗语460~469

460. Get a taste of your own medicine

The phrase originates from an ancient Greek fable where a doctor was tricked into eating his own poisoned medicine.

Today, it is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to experience the same unpleasantness or harm they once inflicted on others.

After bullying others for years, he finally got a taste of his own medicine when he was mocked by his classmates.

She always interrupts others, but she got a taste of her own medicine when someone interrupted her speech. 

The corrupt official got a taste of his own medicine when he was betrayed by his own allies

461. Get a word in edgewise

This phrase means to insert your words into a conversation, especially when others are talking a lot.

It is commonly used to describe the difficulty of interjecting into a fast-paced or intense conversation.

He talks so much that it’s hard to get a word in edgewise. 

During the meeting, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. 

She dominated the conversation, and it was impossible to get a word in edgewise.

462. Get along with each other

This phrase originates from the everyday English term “get along,” which means the state or degree of interacting with others.

The term “each other” emphasizes mutual interaction.

Therefore, the phrase indicates that the relationship between individuals is positive, harmonious, and that they can work or communicate well with one another.

My siblings and I get along with each other really well.

It’s important to get along with each other in a team environment.

Despite their differences, they get along with each other just fine.

463. Get back to someone

This phrase originates from everyday conversations and communications, particularly in work and business settings.

When someone requests help or information, the respondent might not have an immediate answer or the time to address it then.

Using “get back to someone” indicates that they will respond and handle the request later.

This phrase is used to assure the requester that they won’t be forgotten and communicates a professional and polite intention to follow up.

I’ll check the details and get back to you tomorrow. 

Thanks for your question. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

464. Get down to brass tacks

This idiom’s exact origin is not entirely clear, but it is commonly said to have originated in 19th-century America.

It might be related to furniture making, where workers used brass tacks to determine the precise placement of fabric, implying the necessity to face real and crucial issues.

It is used to indicate moving from general talk to addressing the important, specific aspects of a matter.

We don’t have much time, so let’s get down to brass tacks immediately.

After a few minutes of small talk, they decided to get down to brass tacks. 

It’s time to get down to brass tacks and see what’s really going on.

465. Get down to business

This phrase originates from the business world and meetings.

In such settings, people usually have small talk or handle informal matters at the beginning.

“Get down to business” indicates that participants are ready to address the main topic or core tasks.

This expression is often used in formal meetings, business negotiations, and situations where serious attention is required.

After a quick introduction, the team decided to get down to business and discuss the project details. 

We’ve wasted enough time on small talk; let’s get down to business.

The meeting was informal at first, but soon everyone got down to business.

466. Get down to the nuts and bolts

This idiom originates from mechanical engineering.

Nuts and bolts are fundamental and essential components used to hold parts of a machine together.

Thus, this phrase is used to indicate transitioning from a general concept or plan to handling the specific practical detail.

We need to get down to the nuts and bolts of the project before we can proceed.

Let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of this report and figure out what needs to be done. 

The meeting was productive because we finally got down to the nuts and bolts of the issue. 

467. Get from A to B

This phrase comes from the everyday description of the process or action of moving from one place to another.

It’s often used to describe the process of reaching a destination and can also be used metaphorically to describe the achievement of a certain goal.

All I need is a car that can reliably get me from A to B.

He just wants to get from A to B as quickly as possible. 

In life, we sometimes struggle to figure out how to get from A to B.

468. Get hold of someone

This phrase originates from the various ways people attempt to get someone’s attention, such as calling, emailing, or visiting in person.

Whether for emergencies, seeking help, or simple communication, this idiom is widely used.

I’ve been trying to get hold of my doctor all day. 

Can you help me get hold of Jason? I need to ask him something important.

It’s hard to get hold of her; she’s always so busy. 

469. Get in someone’s hair

This phrase originated from a 19th-century American colloquialism, meaning to annoy or irritate someone.

Historically, women’s hairstyles were often elaborate, and if someone messed with their hair, it could be very frustrating.

Thus, “get in someone’s hair” evolved to describe actions that annoy or upset others.

The kids were running around and really got in her hair.

My little brother kept asking questions just to get in my hair. 

She told him to stop hanging around her desk because he was getting in her hair.