What Does "get over it" Mean?
- The idiomatic meaning of "get over it" is to recover from or move past a disappointing or upsetting experience. It suggests accepting a situation that cannot be changed and ceasing to dwell on it. The phrase often carries a tone of impatience or dismissal.
- The origin isn't definitively known, but the concept of "getting over" something, meaning to overcome it, has been in the English language for centuries. The specific phrasing likely emerged in the 20th century as a more direct and sometimes harsh way of expressing this sentiment.
- Register: informal
How to Use It
- "Get over it" is a phrasal verb that can be modified with pronouns (e.g., "get over him/her/them") and tenses (e.g., "got over it," "getting over it," "will get over it"). It can be negated (e.g., "I can't get over it") and used in statements, commands, or questions (though questions are less common and might sound sarcastic).
- Over-literal use would involve physically climbing over something. Using it in overly formal situations or when someone is experiencing significant trauma is inappropriate and can be perceived as insensitive. It's also unnatural to use it in situations where continued mourning or processing is expected and healthy.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from get over it on Ludwig.guru.
""You'll get over it"." — nytimes.com
""Let's get over it"." — nytimes.com
"Well, get over it." — nytimes.com
"Get over it' slogan." — independent.co.uk
"Get over it," she wrote." — nytimes.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/get+over+it
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| move on |
A general term for leaving the past behind. |
| accept it |
Suggests acknowledging and understanding the situation. |
| come to terms with it |
Implies a longer, more thoughtful process of acceptance. |
| let it go |
Encourages releasing negative feelings or attachments. |
| put it behind you |
Suggests actively distancing yourself from the past. |
| face it |
Encourages confronting the reality of a situation. |
| deal with it |
Slightly less harsh than "get over it," but still direct. |
Common Mistakes
- Using "get over it" when someone is grieving a significant loss or experiencing a serious emotional crisis is insensitive and inappropriate. The phrase is best reserved for minor setbacks or disappointments.
- Learners sometimes use "get over it" in formal settings, where more empathetic or understanding language would be more suitable.
- Learners often confuse "get over it" with similar phrasal verbs like "get through it" (endure), or misunderstand the level of bluntness it implies, making it inappropriate in some social contexts.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Idiomatic Meaning |
Register |
Avoid In |
| get over it |
Recover from a disappointment; accept something unpleasant and move on |
Informal |
Serious situations, formal settings, when empathy is needed |
FAQs
Is "get over it" ever used literally, or is it always figurative?
While the individual words "get" and "over" have literal meanings, the phrase "get over it" is almost always used figuratively. It refers to overcoming an emotional or mental obstacle, not a physical one.
How does "get over it" differ from "deal with it"?
Both "get over it" and "deal with it" encourage acceptance of a situation, but "get over it" implies a faster and more complete emotional recovery. "Deal with it" suggests managing or coping with a problem, while "get over it" suggests moving past it entirely.
How can I avoid using "get over it" inappropriately?
Be mindful of the context and the other person's feelings. If someone is experiencing significant distress or grief, "get over it" can sound insensitive. Instead, opt for more empathetic phrases like "I'm sorry you're going through this" or offer support to "get through it" – a phrase about enduring hardship rather than dismissing it.