Definition

1. Verb:
   • To lag or linger behind; to fail to keep pace with others or with a schedule: This describes the act of moving or progressing more slowly than others, resulting in a position at the back or a state of delay.
   • To support or endorse; to get on the side of: This meaning involves giving one's backing, approval, or alignment with a person, idea, or cause.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (To lag behind):
  • If you don't study regularly, you will quickly get behind in your classes.
  • The project is getting behind schedule because of the supply delays.
• Verb (To support):
  • It's important to get behind the new community initiative.
  • The whole team needs to get behind the coach's strategy.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The phrase often implies a need for effort to catch up when used in the "lag behind" sense.
• In the "support" sense, it can carry a connotation of active and enthusiastic backing, not just passive agreement.

Variants and Related Words

• Fall behind: A very close synonym for "get behind" in the sense of lagging.
• Support, back, endorse: Synonyms for the "give approval" meaning.

Synonyms

• Lag, trail, straggle: For the meaning of falling back.
• Champion, advocate, rally behind: For the meaning of giving support.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Get behind with (something): Specifically used for falling behind in payments, work, or duties.
  • He got behind with his rent after losing his job.
• Get behind on (something): Similar to "get behind with," often used for schedules or tasks.
  • We are getting behind on our project milestones.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Get behind me!": An imperative phrase that can literally mean "move to a position behind me" or, more figuratively, "stop opposing me" or "give me your support."
• "Throw one's weight behind": An idiom similar in meaning to the supportive sense of "get behind," implying using one's influence to support something.

Verb

1. to lag or linger behind
   • But in so many other areas we still are dragging