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get after

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get after someone

 

1. Lit. to begin to chase someone. The other boys got after him and almost caught him. Henry got after Bill and almost caught up with him.

2. Fig. to bother someone about doing something; to scold someone about something. I will get after Fred about his behavior. Please don't get after me all the time.

See also: after, get

get after somebody

to criticize what someone does I get after my mother about what she eats because I really love her.

Related vocabulary: on somebody's case

See also: after, get

get after

Urge or scold someone about doing something. For example, Dad should get after Billy to mow the lawn, or Mary got after Jane for forgetting her house key. Also see keep after.

See also: after, get

get after

v.

1. To urge or scold someone: You should get after the kids to mow the lawn.

2. To pursue something that is a problem or menace: If you don't get after those termites, your house will be destroyed.

See also: after, get