Be rid of somebody/something
phrase
To get rid of someone or something means to remove them from your life or your environment.
After his bad behavior, I was glad to be rid of him.

Often appears as...
- be rid of an object
- be rid of a habit
phrase
To get rid of a problem or disease means to solve it or to stop it from affecting you.
Thanks to his medication, he was finally able to be rid of his chronic headache.

Often appears as...
- be rid of an illness
- be rid of pain
Usage tips
Medical
phrase
To get rid of an unwanted thing means to throw it away or give it to someone else.
Having a garage sale is a good way to be rid of unwanted items.

Often appears as...
- be rid of clutter
- be rid of junk
phrase
To get rid of someone or something means to remove them from your life or your environment.
After his bad behavior, I was glad to be rid of him.

Often appears as...
- be rid of an object
- be rid of a habit
phrase
To get rid of a problem or disease means to solve it or to stop it from affecting you.
Thanks to his medication, he was finally able to be rid of his chronic headache.

Often appears as...
- be rid of an illness
- be rid of pain
Usage tips
Medical
phrase
To get rid of an unwanted thing means to throw it away or give it to someone else.
Having a garage sale is a good way to be rid of unwanted items.

Often appears as...
- be rid of clutter
- be rid of junk
Definition 1 of 3

Emotional Relief
The phrase often carries a feeling of relief after ending a troubling situation or relationship.

Once she cheated, I needed to be rid of her to move on.
Not Instant
Being 'rid of' someone takes time, it's not immediate like simply walking away.

It took months to be rid of his influence in the company.
Not Always Negative
The phrase can imply a neutral or necessary change, not just a negative one.

Retiring meant he could finally be rid of daily commutes.
Emotional Relief
The phrase often carries a feeling of relief after ending a troubling situation or relationship.

Once she cheated, I needed to be rid of her to move on.
Not Instant
Being 'rid of' someone takes time, it's not immediate like simply walking away.

It took months to be rid of his influence in the company.
Not Always Negative
The phrase can imply a neutral or necessary change, not just a negative one.

Retiring meant he could finally be rid of daily commutes.
Emotional Relief
The phrase often carries a feeling of relief after ending a troubling situation or relationship.

Once she cheated, I needed to be rid of her to move on.
Not Instant
Being 'rid of' someone takes time, it's not immediate like simply walking away.

It took months to be rid of his influence in the company.
Not Always Negative
The phrase can imply a neutral or necessary change, not just a negative one.

Retiring meant he could finally be rid of daily commutes.
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