get a hold of it

USAGE SUMMARY

"get a hold of it" is a common idiom that is used in both spoken and written English.
It is used to express the idea of gaining control of a situation. You could use it in a sentence like this: "I have to figure out how to get a hold of this situation before it gets any worse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"And you can't get a hold of it?

The Guardian - Music

At the end, you'd do anything to get a hold of it – lie, cheat, steal.

The Guardian

But if fruit companies get a hold of it, good luck getting the sticker off your Granny Smith.

The Economist

"It's fresh, and we're trying to get a hold of it," said a man answering the phone for Time Disposal.

The Washington Post

"My worry would be for children to get a hold of it," said JoAnn Windholz, a member of the Colorado House of Representatives.

The New York Times

So I think the NBA has done a great job to try and limit this and get a hold of it from 15 years ago".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"I don't know who got a hold of it and how they got a hold of it," said the mortgage broker involved in the sale, David Rodriguez.

The New York Times

It's time to reclaim the word before someone else gets a hold of it.

The New York Times - Arts

"Boris" ran afoul of the government long before Prokofiev and Meyerhold got a hold of it.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't know how he got a hold of it".

The New York Times

And look what happened when the community got a hold of it.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a hold of it" when you want to emphasize gaining control, understanding, or possession of something. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "get a hold of it" in formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for alternatives like "obtain", "acquire", or "control" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a hold of it" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of gaining control, understanding, or acquiring something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its versatile application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get a hold of it" is a versatile idiomatic phrase used to convey gaining control, understanding, or acquiring something. Ludwig highlights that it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its register leans toward neutral, more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic or professional writing. Remember to consider the specific context to ensure the phrase aligns with your intended meaning, avoiding misuse in overly formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gain control of it

Focuses on the aspect of achieving command over something.

Get it under control

Emphasizes the state of being managed effectively.

Take charge of it

Highlights the act of assuming responsibility and direction.

Get on top of it

Suggests mastering a challenging task or situation.

Get a grip on it

Implies regaining composure or understanding.

Bring it under control

Similar to 'get it under control', but adds the action of bringing.

Get control over it

Highlights the aspect of having power or influence over something.

Master it

Focuses on the ability to fully understand and utilize something.

Get the hang of it

Relates to learning how to do something skillfully.

Learn it

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge or skills.

FAQs

What does "get a hold of it" mean?

The phrase "get a hold of it" typically means to gain control of something, acquire something, or understand something. The exact meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

How can I use "get a hold of it" in a sentence?

You can use "get a hold of it" in a sentence to describe gaining control, such as: "I need to "gain control of it" before it spirals out of control."

What can I say instead of "get a hold of it"?

You can use alternatives like "take charge of it", ""gain control of it"", or "understand it" depending on the specific context.

Is "get a hold of it" appropriate for formal writing?

While "get a hold of it" is common in spoken English, it may be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "obtain it" or "acquire it" in those contexts.