Be getting on for…

idiom

To be nearly a particular age, amount, or time.

I must be getting on for 40 cups of coffee by now.
Visual representation of "be getting on for…" - To be nearly a particular age, amount, or time

Often appears as...

  • getting on for time
  • getting on for a year
idiom

To be nearly a particular age, amount, or time.

I must be getting on for 40 cups of coffee by now.
Visual representation of "be getting on for…" - To be nearly a particular age, amount, or time

Often appears as...

  • getting on for time
  • getting on for a year
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be getting on for…"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Close To

Use the phrase when something is approaching a particular time, age, or number and not precise.

Illustration for Close To
She must be getting on for 70 now, don't you think?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subjective Time

People use this phrase to express their personal feeling that a lot of time has passed.

Illustration for Subjective Time
It's getting on for two hours since they left.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Exact

The phrase doesn't mean the exact number or time, but very close to it.

Illustration for Not Exact
We're getting on for completion of the project.
Visual representation of the word "Be getting on for…"

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