get the picture

English

Verb

get the picture (third-person singular simple present gets the picture, present participle getting the picture, simple past got the picture, past participle (UK) got the picture or (US) gotten the picture)

1. (informal) To understand or comprehend a situation; to interpret things correctly.

   I hung a "no solicitors" sign by my door. One of these days, I hope they'll get the picture and quit ringing the bell.

   • 1910 December 1, “Round About Chicago”, in Chicago Tribune:

     Get the picture? In one corner Charles Edward Russell, champion muckrake pugilist of the world.

   • 1965, George Morton, Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich (lyrics and music), “Leader of the Pack”, performed by The Shangri-Las:

     I met him at the candy store / He turned around and smiled at me / You get the picture?

See also

• get it
• get the e-mail
• get the message