get to the root of (something)

get to the root of (something)

To understand the cause or source of something. What is causing this water leak? Has anyone gotten to the root of it yet?
See also: get, of, root
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

get to the ˈroot of something

be able to see or do something about the main cause (of a problem, etc.): We must get to the root of the drugs problem. OPPOSITE: scratch the surface (of something)
See also: get, of, root, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • get to the root of something
  • root up
  • get to the bottom of
  • get to the bottom of (something)
  • get to the bottom of something
  • root (something) in (something)
  • root in
  • root cause
  • the root cause
  • ground on (something)