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get around

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get around

1. To spread among a number of people, as of news, rumors, etc. When news of this tax scandal gets around, your career in politics will be finished!

2. slang To have sexual intercourse with many different partners. I'd practice safe sex with him if I were you—I hear he tends to get around.

See also: around, get

get around someone or something

 

1. Lit. to cluster around someone or something. Tell every one to get around the cat so she won't run away. Let's get around Mary and sing "Happy Birthday" to her.

2. . to manage to go around someone or something. We couldn't get around the fallen tree, so we turned back. Mary couldn't get around the people standing in the hallway.

3. Fig. to avoid or elude an authority or regulation that constitutes a barrier; to circumvent someone or something in order to get one's way. We knew she would oppose us, so we got around her and got it approved by someone else. I know I can find a way to get around the rule.

See also: around, get

get around something

to find a way to avoid a problem He was trying to get around paying tax on that income.

See also: around, get

get around

1. Also, get round. Circumvent or evade, as in He managed to get around the rules for visiting hours. [Late 1800s]

2. Also, get round. Convince or win over by flattery or cajoling, as in Karen knew just how to get around her father, or I'll try to get round him but I'm not sure it'll work. [Mid-1800s]

3. Travel from place to place; also, be active socially. For example, It's hard to get around without a car, or Mary is never without a date-she really gets around. [First half of 1900s] Also see get about, def. 1.

4. Become known, circulate, as in Reports of her resignation got around quickly. [c. 1950] Also see get about, def. 2.

5. get around to or get round to. Find the time or occasion for, as in Dean never gets around to cleaning up the garage. [Late 1800s]

See also: around, get

get around

v.

1. To travel from place to place in some region: I use a bicycle to get around my neighborhood. It is hard to get around town without a car.

2. To become known; circulate: The rumors got around quickly. It eventually got around that the movie star had been arrested.

3. To be known to many different people in different social settings: You certainly get around; you seem to know everybody!

4. Slang To engage in numerous amorous affairs with a variety of people; be promiscuous: The team captain really gets around.

5. To circumvent, avoid, or evade something: The debater managed to get around the real issues.

6. To cause someone to circumvent or evade something: Your advice got me around the problem easily.

7. To do something when the right opportunity arises or when it is convenient: I haven't gotten around to finishing my schoolwork yet. Eventually we'll get around to building a new balcony.

8. To convince someone; change someone's mind: My friends' constant pleas finally got me around to joining them on their trip.

See also: around, get