get hold of somebody/something
get hold of (one)
1. Literally, to grab and hold onto one with the hands. The police officer got hold of suspect before he could run away. My sister got hold of me at our mother's funeral to keep herself from breaking down in tears.
2. To successfully make contact and communicate with one. I wasn't able to get hold of my brother at the weekend, I hope he's OK.
3. To gain total control, influence, or power over one. Well, once major corporations get hold of a politician, it's easy to predict where that senator's or congressperson's interests will lie. Addiction seems to have completely gotten hold of John.
4. To capture one's attention, interest, or imagination. Her latest novel got hold of me and didn't let go until I'd read it cover to cover.
See also: get, hold, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
get hold of
Grasp, obtain; also, get in touch with. For example, If you can just get hold of one end, I'll get the other, or Jane had no luck getting hold of the book she needed, or I've phoned a dozen times but I can't seem to get hold of him. [c. 1300] Also see lay hold of.
See also: get, hold, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
get ˈhold of somebody/something
obtain something; reach or contact somebody: Do you know where I can get hold of a telephone directory for Paris? I spent all morning on the phone trying to get hold of the manager.See also: get, hold, of, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
get hold of
1. To come into possession of; find: Where can I get hold of a copy?
2. To communicate with, as by telephone: tried to get hold of you but the line was busy.
3. To gain control of. Often used reflexively: You must get hold of yourself!
See also: get, hold, of
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- get hold of
- get hold of (one)
- grab (a)hold of (someone)
- hold with
- hold with (something)
- hold onto
- Will you hold(, please)?
- hold it
- Hold it!
- Could you hold?