get along: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get along’ mean?
The idiom "get along" means to have a harmonious relationship or to manage without problems. It refers to the ability to coexist or work well together.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "play well with others" means to have good social skills and be able to cooperate and get along with other people in a group or team.
The idiom "keep the peace" means to maintain harmony, calm, and order in a situation or relationship, usually by preventing conflict or resolving disputes.
The idiom "join forces" means to unite or collaborate with someone or a group of people to achieve a common goal or objective.
The idiom "hold together" means to stay unified, despite challenges or difficulties, and not fall apart or disintegrate.
The idiom "hold together" is commonly used in the English language to describe the act of maintaining unity or cohesion in a group or an object. It implies the ability to keep all the different parts or elements intact and functioning properly, despite potential challenges or pressures.
The idiom "have it going on" means to possess a desirable or impressive quality, often in terms of attractiveness, confidence, or success.
The idiom "hang together" means to stay united and support each other, especially during challenging or difficult times.
The idiom "hang together" is a figurative expression that describes the idea of unity, cooperation, or solidarity in the face of adversity or challenges. It can also imply the concept of strength in numbers, where individuals or groups are better able to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals when they "hang together."
The idiom "hand-in-glove" means to work closely together or have a very close and cooperative relationship with someone.
1. The idiom "hand in glove" means to work together closely or to have a close connection with someone. It is often used to describe a situation where two or more people work together harmoniously, as if their hands are enclosed in a glove.
This idiom means to adapt to a situation or circumstance without resisting or trying to control it. It implies going along with whatever is happening and not trying to change or fight against it.
Unlocking Harmony
Get along is an idiomatic expression commonly used in American English. It is a multi-purpose phrasal verb that can be used in different contexts, with slightly different meanings.
One of the most common meanings of get along is to have a harmonious or friendly relationship with someone. This idiom is closely related to the expression "go along to get along," which suggests that in order to have a good relationship with others, it is important to go along with their ideas and beliefs. It implies that individuals should be willing to compromise and avoid conflict in order to maintain positive relationships. For example, one might say, "My sister and I get along really well; we never argue and enjoy spending time together."
Another usage of get along is to manage or cope with a difficult situation or person. It can be related to the idiom "go together," which means that two or more things or people are compatible or work well together. "play well with others" is another related idiom, which emphasizes the importance of being able to interact and cooperate effectively with others. It suggests that individuals who are able to get along with others are more likely to succeed in various aspects of life. For instance, someone might say, "Even though I don't particularly like my job, I try to get along by focusing on the positive aspects and maintaining a good attitude."
Additionally, get along can mean to make progress or move forward in a specific endeavor. This idiom is closely related to the expression "go along with," which suggests being in agreement or compliance with something. It implies that individuals who are able to get along with their goals and aspirations are more likely to achieve success. An example of this would be, "She's been working hard on her project and is getting along nicely; she's making great strides towards completing it."
It is worth noting that the idiom get along originated from Middle English, with the verb "get" meaning to obtain or acquire, and "along" referring to a distance or progress. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass its current meanings, which reflect the ways in which people interact and navigate through their lives.
The idiomatic expression get along is a versatile phrasal verb used in American English. It can refer to having a harmonious relationship with someone, managing difficult situations, or making progress towards a goal. Its etymology reveals how the words "get" and "along" have evolved to convey these nuanced meanings. Understanding the different contexts in which this idiom is used can enhance communication and help individuals express themselves more effectively.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "get along" can be used in a sentence:
- I get along well with my coworkers.
- Despite their differences, Sarah and Jack manage to get along.
- It's important for step-siblings to learn how to get along.
More "Relationships" idioms
