get after

present singular third person gets after · participle present getting after · past got after · UK participle past got after · US participle past gotten after

1. To move into action in pursuit of something.

   If you want to win, you've got to get after it.

   1 more example

   He's wasting time at university not getting after his degree.

2. To move into action in attempt to catch or defeat another.

   The defensive line needs to get after the quarterback.

   2 more examples

   These murders are an indication of a swing to the right in this country, and also of the economic situation. Americans get after minorities during economic hard times: Blacks, Jews, Catholics. It's our turn because we've been the most vocal lately.

   1980 August 16, Fran Koski, “Fourth Gay Man Murdered Here”, in Gay Community News, volume 8, number 5, page 6

   Do you think the girl's going to ask you out? Get after her!

3. To attempt to convince another to move into action.

   Parents get after their children to do homework for the best.