get hold of

To manage to find or obtain something you need or want.

• Where can I get hold of tickets?
• I finally got hold of the book.
• She has managed to get hold of a cheap bicycle.

How to use it: get hold of something (Can you get hold of a spare charger?)

Similar words: get, obtain, acquire

Common phrases: get hold of something, get hold of tickets, get hold of supplies

To succeed in speaking or communicating with someone.

• Can you get hold of Anna?
• I got hold of the doctor this morning.
• We could not get hold of anyone at the office.

How to use it: get hold of someone (I need to get hold of the manager.)

Similar words: contact, reach

Common phrases: get hold of someone, get hold of staff

To take something firmly in your hand.

• Get hold of my hand.
• He got hold of the rope and pulled.
• She caught the child before he could get hold of the knife.

How to use it: get hold of someone/something (Get hold of the railing before you climb down.)

Similar words: grab, grasp, seize

Opposites: release

Common phrases: get hold of something, get hold of someone, get hold of rope

To control your feelings and behavior after becoming upset or excited.

• Get hold of yourself and breathe slowly.
• She tried to get hold of herself before answering.
• It took him a minute to get hold of himself.

How to use it: get hold of oneself (He took a deep breath to get hold of himself.)

Similar words: pull oneself together, calm down

Opposites: lose control

Common phrases: get hold of oneself, get hold of yourself