get into

1. To access or enter some place or thing. I forgot my key, so I can't get into the building. Get into the car—I'll tell you what happened on the way.

2. To cause someone or something to enter some place or thing. In this usage, a noun of pronoun is used between "get" and "into." There's a storm coming, so get all the kids into the school right away! We need to get the supplies into the shed before it starts raining.

3. To arrive at some destination. What time does your plane get into LaGuardia? It's a long drive, so we won't get into the city until after midnight.

4. To grant someone access to something or some place. In this usage, a noun of pronoun is used between "get" and "into." This code will get you into the warehouse.

5. To be granted admission to a particular school or program. I can't believe I got into Harvard! I would be shocked if you didn't get into their graduate program.

6. To use one's position or influence to cause someone to gain admittance to some organization or place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "into." Do you think your brother could get me into the club? I work backstage, so I could probably get you into the concert for free, if you want. I'm pretty sure it was Sarah's wealthy uncle who got her into Yale.

7. To win a publicly elected position. I still can't believe she got into office after all the scandals and controversies she's been involved in.

8. To cause someone or something to fit into something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "into." I can't possibly get one more thing into my suitcase—you'll have to see if Mom has any room in hers. Let's see if we can get everyone into my van. I don't want to take two cars if we don't have to.

9. To ensure that something, such as food, drink, or medicine, is ingested by or administered to someone or oneself. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "into." You'll need to get this antivenom into the patient as soon as possible. You look a bit think. Here, get some food into you.

10. To dress in some article of clothing. Kids, go get into your school uniforms right now—we're running late! I just need to go get into my suit before we go.

11. To fit into a particular article of clothing. I'm having a hard time getting into this dress—can you zip it for me? I put on a little weight over the holidays, so hope I can still get in my jeans.

12. To use, access, or interfere with something, usually without permission to do so. A: "I think the cats got into their treats while we were at work today." B: "Yep, I just found the empty bag completely torn in half." My toddler got into my important papers for work and scattered them all over the house!

13. To become interested in or passionate about something. My daughter has gotten into sports all of sudden. Ugh, I just can't get into that show—the acting is terrible.

14. To cause someone to become interested in something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "into." I've been trying to get my wife into video games, but she isn't interested in the slightest. The show is intended to get children into science at an early age.

15. To begin working in a particular area or industry. I used to be a lawyer, but I got into nonprofit work a few years ago. She worked on special effects for films before getting into the video game industry.

16. To cause someone or something to act in a surprising or unusual way. Wow, what has gotten into you? I can't believe you're just not going to work again today. Something been getting into the kids lately. They're way more hyperactive than usual.

17. To enter or attain a particular state or condition. I'm trying to get into shape for the wedding, but I hate going to the gym. I got into trouble for talking during class.

18. To cause someone or something to enter a particular state or condition. We need to get the whole house into order before grandma gets here. The news just got me into a bit of a bad mood.

1. to tamper with something; to open something and disturb the contents. Who got into my desk? Someone has been getting into my work after the office closes.

2. to put oneself into clothing. As soon as I get into this coat, I will help you load the car. Let me get into my boots, and then I'll be with you.

3. to enter something or some place. I got into the theater just before the rainstarted. Let's get into the car and go.

4. Sl. to become involved in something; to develop an interest in something. I can really get into sailing, I think. No matter how hard I try, I can't get into basketball.

5. to enter a particular type of business; to deal in a particular product in business. Yes, I used to work for the government, but now have gotten into private industry.

1. Become involved in, as in He got into trouble by stealing cars, or I don't want to get into the long history of this problem. [Early 1700s]

2. Put on clothes, as in Wait till I get into my suit. [Late 1600s]

3. Take possession of one, cause to act differently or inappropriately, as in You're leaving it to the animal shelter? What has got into you? or I don't know what gets into you children. [Late 1800s]

4. See be into. Also see subsequent entries beginning with get into.