get it

1. To pick up, retrieve, or receive something. I paid for her present online, but I need to go get it from the store. A: "The baby knocked her bottle onto the ground." B: "Don't worry, I'll get it."

2. To understand or comprehend something. I've read this chapter three times, but I'm just not getting it. You might want to slow down your lectures, I don't think the rest of the class gets it.

3. To answer the telephone or door. I hear the doorbell ringing—would you mind getting it?

4. To pay for something, especially for or on behalf of someone else. Don't worry about dinner tonight, I've got it. I'll get it, you put your money away.

5. To receive a severe reprimand, scolding, retaliation, or punishment. Oh man, I'm going to get it from my parents when they find out I wrecked the car! You little punk, you're going to get it if you ever show your face around here again!

1. See catch it.

2. Understand something, as in He claims his plan is reasonable, but I'm not sure I get it. This synonym for catch on was popularized during the 1980s through a televised political debate in which presidential nominee Ronald Reagan told his opponent, You just don't get it, do you? This particular phrase has since been repeated in numerous contexts where one is expressing exasperation at someone's failure to understand something. The phrase is also put in the past tense, got it, meaning "understood." For example, We're leaving tomorrow.-OK, got it. [Colloquial; late 1800s] Also see get the message.