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Glite Dictionary
to go at it

to go at it

56 6.7
Act with a lot of energy, often fighting, arguing, or working hard
  • phrasal verb
  • Informal
translation icon : pelearse
  • Whenever they argue, they really go at it, shouting over each other.
  • go at it hard
  • really go at it
  • go at it again

Any kabuki brush and just go at it seriously.

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Examples

Synonyms

to fight
vsto go at it
∞ 1.0

To take part in a physical or verbal struggle against someone

includes that conflict sense but also covers other intense, nonconflict effort
to have at
vsto go at it
  • Informal
26 7.9

To start something quickly and with a lot of energy

includes that energetic start but also covers aggression in arguments and disputes
to play hardball
vsto go at it
  • Informal
26 7.0

Act aggressively to get what you want when you compete with others

is energetic aggression but not always as ruthless or strategic in competition
to throw down
vsto go at it
  • Informal
18 7.0

To start a fight or bold competition to show strength

is similar but also covers vigorous effort beyond direct challenges
to come out swinging
vsto go at it
  • Informal
13 7.5

To start something immediately with strong, aggressive action

often fits any energetic engagement but need not start with immediate aggression
to slug it out
vsto go at it
  • Informal
7 8.0

Fight or compete hard until one side wins

is energetic and often aggressive but not always aimed at a single winner
to take the offensive
vsto go at it
5 6.4

Begin attacking or acting aggressively to gain an advantage

covers initiating aggression but also nonattacking energy in other activities
to go to the mat
vsto go at it
  • Informal
5 7.6

Argue strongly to protect an idea or position

is broader, applying to energetic action not only vigorous defense of positions
to blaze away
vsto go at it
  • Informal
1 7.5

To speak angrily and strongly to criticize someone

is broader, meaning energetic engagement in actions beyond forceful speech
to go off on one
vsto go at it
  • UK
1 9.9

To suddenly get very angry and speak loudly for a long time

is more general, covering sustained energetic action beyond sudden angry outbursts
to fly at each other
vsto go at it
  • Informal
7.4

People suddenly fight or shout at each other with strong anger

can mean energetic aggression but is not restricted to sudden mutual attacks
to blaze away at
vsto go at it
  • Informal
7.1

To work on a task with a lot of energy for a long time

has similar energy but also includes aggressive conflict, not only hardworking effort
to give it the gun
vsto go at it
  • Informal
9.8

To try very hard and work quickly to finish something

is about energetic, often aggressive engagement, not just rapid task effort

Antonyms

to give up
∞ 1.2

To stop trying to do something or accept defeat

to back down
107 3.7

To stop insisting because others oppose you

How Aggressive

to assault
126 4.7
attack
548 3.2
to go at it
  • Informal
56 6.7
to get stuck in
  • UK
2 5.8

Surface Forms

go at it infinitive
went at it past
gone at it past participle
going at it present participle
goes at it third person singular

Morphology

go + at + it

The basic idea is partially derivable: 'go' (move/act) + 'at' (toward/against) + 'it' (the task/target) communicates directing action toward something, so a B1 learner could infer a sense of starting to do or attack a task. However, the specific nuance of energetic or aggressive engagement (especially in fights or heated arguments) is a pragmatic/idiomatic extension that is not fully predictable from the constituents alone. Because the core compositional logic is present but the forceful/intense meaning requires exposure, this is best classified as semi-transparent.

Etymology

Go at it paints a clear picture: you go toward something, at it, and attack or work on it with force. So it means 'to start fighting' or 'to do something with a lot of energy'.