ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get to grips with

idiom
Meaning

To deal (with something) decisively, or to confront (it) head on.


Examples
SIMPLE

I need to get to grips with this new software.

CONTEXTUAL

The team spent all morning trying to get to grips with the complex new regulations for the project.

COMPLEX

After weeks of confusion, she finally began to get to grips with the intricate details of the legal case.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  4. 04

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  5. 05

    come to grips with

    To confront or deal with directly; to commence a confrontation.

  6. 06

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  7. 07

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

  8. 08

    five will get you ten

    I strongly believe.

Last updated April 17, 2026