Definition

Verb phrase: - To obtain or acquire something or someone, often with some effort or for a specific, immediate need. It implies securing possession or control.

Usage and Examples

The phrase "get hold" is typically followed by the preposition "of" to form "get hold of." - I need to get hold of a copy of that report before the meeting. - She finally got hold of her lawyer to discuss the contract. - Can you get hold of some extra chairs for the guests?

Advanced Usage

• "Get a hold of": A common variant with the same meaning. The inclusion of the article "a" is informal but widely accepted.
  • I'm trying to get a hold of the manager.
• "Get hold of oneself": An idiomatic expression meaning to regain one's composure or self-control.
  • After the shock, he took a moment to get hold of himself.

Variants and Related Words

• Get/Got ahold of: An informal, chiefly North American spelling variant of "get hold of."
• Obtain (verb): A more formal synonym for acquiring something.
• Secure (verb): To obtain something, especially with care or effort.

Synonyms

• Acquire
• Procure
• Lay one's hands on
• Reach (when referring to contacting a person)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Get through to: To succeed in contacting someone by phone.
  • I couldn't get through to customer service.
• Get a grip on: To gain understanding or control over something (often abstract).
  • He needs to get a grip on his finances.

Related Idioms

• Get hold of the wrong end of the stick: To misunderstand a situation or fact completely.
  • You've got hold of the wrong end of the stick; I never said that.

Verb

1. get something or somebody for a specific purpose
   • I found this gadget that will serve as a bottle opener
   • I got hold of these tools to fix our plumbing
   • The chairman got hold of a secretary on Friday night to type the urgent letter