Definition

1. Phrasal Verb:
   • To have a harmonious or amicable relationship with someone; to interact smoothly and without conflict: This is the primary meaning, focusing on social compatibility and positive interaction.
   • To proceed or continue with a task or activity: A secondary meaning, emphasizing the act of making progress on something one needs to do.

Usage Examples

• Meaning 1 (Harmonious Relations):
  • Despite their differences, the two roommates get on with each other very well.
  • It's important for team members to get on with their manager to ensure a productive work environment.
• Meaning 2 (Proceed with an activity):
  • Stop procrastinating and get on with your homework.
  • After the short break, the committee decided to get on with the main agenda.

Advanced Usage

• "To get on with it": This is a common, often imperative, phrase urging someone to stop delaying and start or continue a necessary action.
  • We don't have all day, so let's get on with it.
• The phrase can imply a sense of resigned acceptance before moving forward.
  • We can't change the past, so we just have to get on with our lives.

Variants and Related Words

• Get along (with): A near-identical synonym for the "harmonious relations" meaning.
  • She gets along with everyone in the office.
• Carry on (with): Similar to the "proceed" meaning, suggesting continuation.
  • Please carry on with your presentation.

Synonyms

• For "harmonious relations": Get along (with), be on good terms, be compatible.
• For "proceed with activity": Continue with, proceed with, go ahead with, attend to.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Get on: Can mean to board (a vehicle) or to manage/fare in a general situation.
  • I need to get on the bus. / How are you getting on at your new job?
• Get along: As noted, primarily a synonym for the relational meaning of "get on with."

Related Idioms

• "Get on like a house on fire": To become close friends very quickly and have an excellent relationship.
  • From the moment they met, they got on like a house on fire.
• "Get on with the job": To focus on and continue the work that needs to be done.
  • Enough talk; it's time to get on with the job.

Verb

1. have smooth relations
   • My boss and I get along very well