get to the bottom of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get to the bottom of’ mean?
The idiom "get to the bottom of" means to investigate or find out the underlying or true cause of something, often by thorough examination or questioning.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "into detail" means to thoroughly analyze or examine something, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
The idiom "get to the point" means to speak or write directly and concisely, without unnecessary details or digressions.
The idiom "get to the point" is frequently used in various contexts, including personal conversations, professional settings, written communications, interviews, and presentations. It is a way of urging the speaker or writer to cut through unnecessary details and provide the essential information promptly.
The idiom "get to grips with" means to become familiar with or understand something difficult or challenging. It implies taking control and actively engaging with the subject matter in order to overcome any obstacles or difficulties.
The idiom "get there" means to achieve a goal or reach a desired destination. It implies successfully completing a task or journey.
The idiom "get the point" means to understand or grasp the main idea or message being conveyed.
The idiom "get the goods on" means to obtain incriminating or damaging evidence against someone or to gather information that can be used against them.
The idiom "get down to cases" means to start discussing or dealing with the practical aspects or the main point of a situation or problem.
The idiom "get down to business" means to focus on the task or purpose at hand, and to start doing what needs to be done without wasting time.
The idiom "get down to brass tacks" means to focus on the main and essential details or topics, especially when discussing or solving a problem.
The idiom "get down to bedrock" means to reach the fundamental or essential aspects of something, stripping away all unnecessary layers or details.
Unearthing the Truth
"get down to cases" is another idiom that is related to "get to the bottom of." It means to stop discussing generalities and start discussing specific details or practical matters. This phrase emphasizes the importance of focusing on the specific issues at hand and delving into the specifics rather than staying on the surface level.
"find out" is yet another related idiom that shares a similar meaning with "get to the bottom of." It refers to the act of discovering or obtaining information, often through investigation or inquiry. When someone wants to find out something, they are determined to uncover the truth or get to the heart of the matter.
The idiom "drill down" is closely related to "get to the bottom of" as well. It means to investigate or examine something with great depth and precision, often to uncover hidden or detailed information. This phrase emphasizes the need to go beyond the surface-level understanding and dig deeper to gain a comprehensive understanding of a situation or problem.
"get down to bedrock" is another related idiom that conveys the idea of going to the fundamental or essential aspects of something. This phrase signifies the act of stripping away all superficial layers and reaching the core or foundation of a matter. It aligns with the concept of "getting to the bottom of" by highlighting the importance of understanding the underlying truths or causes.
Lastly, the idiom "at bottom" shares a similar meaning with "get to the bottom of" and refers to the ultimate or fundamental truth about something. It signifies the deepest or most essential aspect of a matter, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth or root cause. "At bottom" aligns with the concept of "getting to the bottom of" by suggesting the need to delve deep to gain a comprehensive understanding.
These related idioms all relate to the fundamental act of uncovering or discovering the truth or root cause of a situation or problem. They emphasize the importance of moving beyond surface-level information and focusing on the specifics, details, and deeper aspects. Whether it is "getting down to cases," "finding out," "drilling down," "getting down to bedrock," or understanding the matter "at bottom," these idioms all highlight the human desire for knowledge and understanding.
The idiom "get to the bottom of" encompasses the concept of exploring both literal and metaphorical depths to uncover the truth or root cause. It has its origins in the idea of reaching the lowest point or depth of something and has evolved to encompass the act of investigating and uncovering hidden truths or explanations. The related idioms, such as "get down to cases," "find out," "drill down," "get down to bedrock," and "at bottom," all emphasize the importance of moving beyond surface-level understanding and focusing on the specifics and fundamentals of a matter. These idioms reflect the persistent human desire for knowledge and understanding, inviting further exploration and inquiry.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "get to the bottom of" can be used in a sentence:
After days of investigation, the detective finally got to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance.
The journalist is determined to get to the bottom of the corruption scandal and expose the individuals involved.
The scientists conducted numerous experiments to get to the bottom of the phenomenon and understand its cause.
More "Investigation" idioms
