to get down
179
4.4
- phrasal verb
- /ɡɛt daʊn/
:
ponerse a
- Let's get down to business.
- get down to business
- get down to specifics
- get down to work
But first, let's get down to this week's data.
- But first, let's get down to this week's data.
- But the tools that I use will help me get down to the essence of me.
- And so when we get down to it, what are they aware of?
- Flip the overhead lighting on, and let's get down to business.
- And so when we get down to it, we see these are just a few examples.
- It's been a hot minute so let's get down to it go relax and pamper ourselves.
Examples
-
OK, so let's get down to business.
-
We'll have a hell of a fight, and then we'll get down to business.
Fiction book (1992) -
And so when we get down to it, what are they aware of?
-
And really, when you get down to it, the mobile phone market is growing.
-
- Can we get down to the business in hand?
-
But first, let's get down to this week's data.
-
After a bit of casual conversation, they got down to business again.
Fiction book (1993) -
So why don't we get down to business?
-
Now that we are assembled, I move we conclude these ceremonies and get down to business.
Fiction book (1991) -
Let's get down to work on this project so we can meet the deadline.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To begin an action, event or process
∞
1.0
To start an activity, event, or speech
∞
2.8
Start to do or feel something
481
1.8
To begin doing something, for example a task or meeting
422
2.3
To start doing something or to leave
286
1.4
To begin a job, project, or career
231
2.0
To start doing your job, often after a delay
161
4.4
To begin something
150
3.2
To start doing something with a clear aim
21
3.4
To start doing something in a determined way
4
4.5
To start working hard after not doing much before
Antonyms
How Seriously
706
3.4
204
3.4
179
4.4
21
3.4
∞
1.0
45
4.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
get + down
The literal meanings of 'get' (move/obtain) and 'down' (lower) give a loose metaphorical image of moving into a lower or focused position, but the specific sense 'to begin doing something seriously' (as in 'get down to business') is an extended, conventionalized meaning that is not directly predictable from the parts. This phrase follows a phrasal-verb pattern where the particle adds a metaphorical/figurative nuance, so a B1 learner who knows the words may not reliably infer the intended sense without prior exposure.
Etymology
Get down meaning 'to begin doing something, especially seriously' comes from the idea of moving down to the work surface and settling in, so to 'get down to work' is to start working with real effort.