get around to
Phrasal Verb: - To finally do something that you have intended or needed to do for a long time, often after a delay caused by procrastination, being busy, or facing obstacles.
This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of eventually attending to a task or duty that has been postponed. It implies a sense of delay and often relief or accomplishment when the task is finally completed. It is commonly followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb) or a noun phrase.
Negation for Procrastination: Often used in the negative to emphasize ongoing delay.
- I still haven't gotten around to sorting those old photos. (American English)
- I still haven't got around to sorting those old photos. (British English)
With Time References: Can be used with phrases that specify when the action might finally happen.
- I hope to get around to the paperwork by the end of the day.
- Get to: Can sometimes be used similarly, but "get around to" more strongly implies overcoming procrastination or obstacles.
- I finally got to the dishes. (May imply finding time among other tasks)
- Around to it: A common colloquial reduction in informal speech.
- "Did you call the bank?" "Not yet, but I'll get around to it."
- Finally do: To do something at last after a wait.
- Get to: To reach the point of doing something.
- Manage to: To succeed in doing something, especially with difficulty.
- Attend to: To deal with or take care of a task.
The core meaning of "get around to" is consistent: dealing with a delayed task. It does not have other distinct meanings as a set phrase. Do not confuse it with: - Get around (something): To circumvent a problem or rule. - They found a way to get around the regulation. - Get around (somewhere): To travel or move about. - It's easy to get around the city by bike.
- Catch up on: To do work or tasks that you have not had time to do until now.
- I need the weekend to catch up on my reading.
- Come around to: To eventually change your opinion and agree with an idea.
- He finally came around to our way of thinking.
- Put off until tomorrow what you can do today: The proverb that describes the procrastination which "get around to" often implies.
- On the back burner: An idiom for a project or task that is delayed or has low priority, which you might "get around to" later.
- That renovation project has been on the back burner for years.
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do something despite obstacles such as lack of time
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He finally got around to painting the windows
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