phrasal
1. : to reach with or as if with the hand
it is hard to get at the spark plugs without a proper wrench
2. : to acquire knowledge or understanding of
a fundamental method for getting at symbolism has been achieved — C.C.Walcutt
can get at the minds of companions only imaginatively — Bernard DeVoto
3. : to influence corruptly : bribe
take care she doesn't get at him — John Galsworthy
4.
a. : to make an attack on or do injury to
he hates us, and we are where he can get at us — Dorothy C. Fisher
b. : to turn one's attention to : apply oneself to
a volume … which I long to get at but which must take its turn — O.W.Holmes †1935
5. : to try to prove or make clear
what he is getting at is continuity of experience — L.A.White