# get over with

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-over-with
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to finish something unpleasant quickly so you do not have to worry about it anymore.

For teachers: to complete a necessary but disagreeable task or experience as soon as possible to avoid further dread or delay.

## Examples

- I want to get this exam over with today.
- Let's just have the meeting now and get it over with so we can enjoy the weekend.
- The witness hoped to get her testimony over with early in the trial to escape the intense media scrutiny surrounding the case.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I want to get over with the dentist." but "I want to get the dentist visit over with." — the object usually goes between 'get' and 'over' when it is a specific task or event.

## Usage notes

- usually used with 'it' or a specific unpleasant task as the object.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'finish' or 'complete'; 'get over with' specifically implies the task is something the speaker dislikes or finds stressful.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.