What are you, was he, etc. getting at?
phrase
To try to understand or find the real intention or meaning behind someone's actions or words.
You've been asking a lot of questions about the project, what are you getting at?
Often appears as...
- what are you getting at?
- what is he getting at?
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To suggest indirectly or hint.
His speech had a critical tone, but I couldn't understand what he was getting at.
Often appears as...
- what is he getting at?
- what are they getting at?
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To try to understand or find the real intention or meaning behind someone's actions or words.
You've been asking a lot of questions about the project, what are you getting at?
Often appears as...
- what are you getting at?
- what is he getting at?
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To suggest indirectly or hint.
His speech had a critical tone, but I couldn't understand what he was getting at.
Often appears as...
- what is he getting at?
- what are they getting at?
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Conversation Probe
Used to gently dig deeper into someone's thoughts when the meaning isn't clear.
You seem upset about the decision, what are you getting at?
Pro Tip 2/3Not Aggressive
It's a non-confrontational way to ask for clarity without sounding too aggressive.
Your comments are intriguing; what are you getting at?
Pro Tip 3/3Clarify Assumptions
Use it to clarify if you think someone is implying something without stating it directly.
Your hints seem to point somewhere; what are you getting at?
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