knack. One moose, two moose. For example. Today, sailors and landlubbers alike now use the phrase as a synonym for all things considered or for the most part., There are several tales about the origin of the third degree, a saying commonly used for long or arduous interrogations. Languagehat: it was the finality of your tone that made me say "wait a second", that's all, because I thought the subject sounded too-firmly closed there. And I don't think there's anything particularly unclear about it; one of the things you do when you get accustomed to a tool is get the heft, the feel, of it, part of which involves getting used to the way it hangs from your hand. After hanging and rehanging an axe, you start to get (or understand) how to position the handle just right on the axe head. In its earliest incarnation in the 1700s, the expression described condemned men who struggled the longest when they were executed by hanging. For example: I know chess can be hard, but Im sure youll get the hang of it eventually. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'get the hang of.' : Public executions by hanging were quite a spectacle in the good old days. 1. verb If something hangs in a high place or position, or if you hang it there, it is attached there so it does not touch the ground. The "public executions by hanging" derivation is ridiculous. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. They're perfect to use offline for reference or for use in class! https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/get+the+hang+of+it. Example Sentences I haven't played it in a week, I was just getting the . In 1837, the Marquis of Waterforda known lush and mischief makerled a group of friends on a night of drinking through the English town of Melton Mowbray. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, a straw will show which way the wind blows, (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you, the webmaster's page for free fun content. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. A dependable person would, To save this word, you'll need to log in. [VERB preposition/adverb] it?" While it typically refers to someone with a strong dedication to a particular set of beliefs, the term diehard originally had a series of much more literal meanings. However, for a better show, if the neck didn't break, the . HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. What is the origin of the phrase "getting the hang" of something? Like "learning the ropes"? The Sun (2015) It is pretty easy to get the hang of. You want I got the hang of driving a car I got the hang of life in the Far East I don't think that, in BE, the phrase is used very often of people, but here it clearly means that the person speaking doesn't feel familiar enough with the people in the case to have a suspect. Some convey the idea of getting used to a new situation or getting used to your role in that new situation. I know it's a little tricky getting the hang of the machine, but just keep practicing and you'll get it. De- comes from Latin, too. The saying was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries, when European visitors to Malaysia learned of a peculiar mental affliction that caused otherwise normal tribesmen to go on brutal and seemingly random killing sprees. Did Billy Graham speak to Marilyn Monroe about Jesus? There was a time-delay between talent. get the hang of something phrase informal Add to word list C2 to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple: "I've never used this program before." "Don't worry - you'll soon get the hang of it." I had never sailed a boat before but by the third day, I was getting the hang of it. : Public executions by hanging were quite a spectacle in the good old days. and finally the bullet shooting from the chamber. White elephants were once considered highly sacred creatures in Thailandthe animal even graced the national flag until 1917but they were also wielded as a subtle form of punishment. It took me a few minutes to get the hang of things when I put the Legend through an amp. After a few months you start getting the hang of the language and expressing yourself quite well. YourDictionary I havent got the hang of how to use the coffee-making machine yet. For When 'Lowdown Crook' Isn't Specific Enough. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Several idioms exist in this area. Also, if we use it in the negative,its very common touse the word never. get the hang of (something) To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something. get the hang of ( third-person singular simple present gets the hang of, present participle getting the hang of, simple past got the hang of, past participle (UK) got the hang of or (US) gotten the hang of ) ( colloquial) To begin to understand or manage at a basic level; to learn to handle with some skill. It Informal. I just scored 10,000 points! Get a new gun, the hang time may differ. get it. We cant use the simple present tense with this expression. Public executions by hanging were quite a spectacle in the good old days. U.S. the precise manner of doing, using, etc., something; knack: to get the hang of a tool. hung out to dry on a clothesline. Comes from the use of a musket. Learn the proper way of doing, using or handling something; acquire the knack of something. So, we would say . getting the hang. We can't use the simple present tense with this expression. I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. 10. it means that to catch a criminal (and presumably have him It took him a long time to get the hang of all the irregular verbs. The expression go bananas is slang, and the origin is a bit harder to pin down. Which are the best resorts for conference venues in Jim Corbett? Definition of get the hang of as in master to acquire complete knowledge, understanding, or skill in He's really getting the hang of riding his bike now. We strive for accuracy and fairness. Lists. verb To get the hang of is defined as to learn how to do something and to become better or more skilled at something that you may initially not have been very good at. Get a report of the VfL Bochum vs. Borussia Dortmund 2022-23 German Bundesliga football match. What is wrong with reporter Susan Raff's arm on WFSB news. Don't worry, in a few days you'll get the hang of it. ability. To get the hang of something means to become familiar with it. example. slacking rope), Continue Learning about English Language Arts. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. But There's no claim to be certain that that was what it "originally" meant. Venerable Greeks and Romans, or laureates, were thus able to rest on their laurels by basking in the glory of past achievements. without risk of it letting you down. Thus, for mariners, by and large referred to trawling the seas in any and all directions relative to the wind. smoothly. DePendAble means you are Able to Hang From something One explanation I've heard - and I can't confirm it's true, but it makes sense and is interesting in any case - is here: I don't know specifically, but I would guess it originates in some trade where you would literally hang somethinglike wallpaper. In these circumstances, a public official would read a small portion of the Riot Act and order the people to disperse themselves, and peaceably depart to their habitations. Anyone that remained after one hour was subject to arrest or removal by force. It became popular in the 1950s, around the same time as go ape, so there may have . If you're learning how to drive a stick shift, for example. People, read the OED entry quoted above: it originally meant "to become familiar with the proper wielding or use of a tool." getting the hang. See full dictionary entry for hang Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Times, Sunday Times (2006) Instituted in 1715, the Riot Act gave the British government the authority to label any group of more than 12 people a threat to the peace. The phrase "turn a blind eye"often used to refer to a willful refusal to acknowledge a particular realitydates back to a legendary chapter in the career of the British naval hero Horatio Nelson.. At first, speaking Japanese was really hard for me, but I got the hang of it after a little while. To get the hang of (something) "become capable" is from 1834, American English, perhaps originally in reference to a certain tool or feat, but, if so, its origin has been forgotten. Modern English speakers use the phrase crocodile tears to describe a display of superficial or false sorrow, but the saying actually derives from a medieval belief that crocodiles shed tears of sadness while they killed and consumed their prey. Get the hang of. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/get%20the%20hang%20of. skill. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/I+am+getting+the+hang+of+it. To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something. It took him a long time to get the hang of all the irregular verbs. definitions. Go Bananas. But in 18th-century England, the Riot Act was a very real document, and it was often recited aloud to angry mobs. Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. While ostensibly a reward, the creatures were tremendously expensive to feed and house, and caring for one often drove the recipient into financial ruin. I know it's a little tricky getting the hang of the machine, but just keep practicing and you'll get it. Privacy Policy. what is the origin of the Noun. informal (understand) . hang Examples from the Corpus get the hang of something I increasingly got the hang of handling Berni. Its so confusing! When a person is hung, the moment after the drop where the rope snaps tight either breaks the person's neck or it doesn't. The humanitarian thing was to let the person's neck break; this caused a quick death. means "From". Apollo was usually depicted with a crown of laurel leaves, and the plant eventually became a symbol of status and achievement. I believe it refers to the process of "hanging" or putting a handle on an axe. Once you get the hang of it, reading a good play can be a delightful and challenging experience. After a few months you start getting the hang of the language and expressing yourself quite well. and our get the hang of something ngha, nh ngha, get the hang of something l g: 1. to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple: 2. to learn how to do. She said she thought she was beginning to get the hang of it. One moose, two moose. This expression is used when we want to talk about becoming skillful at something after starting to do it for the first time. The idea of resting on your laurels dates back to leaders and athletic stars of ancient Greece. expertise. All posts copyright their original authors. For example. Ask MetaFilter is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each other solve problems. It took him a long time to get the hang of all the irregular verbs. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/I+get+the+hang+of+it. The phrase turn a blind eyeoften used to refer to a willful refusal to acknowledge a particular realitydates back to a legendary chapter in the career of the British naval hero Horatio Nelson. In Hellenic times, laurel leaves were closely tied to Apollo, the god of music, prophecy and poetry. as soon as you "get the hang of it", you're used to driving You'll get the hang of it - Idioms by The Free Dictionary you'll get the hang of it you'll get the hang of it You will soon become comfortable with or acquire a sense of how to do the thing in question. to shoot it. The phrase paint the town red most likely owes its origin to one legendary night of drunkenness. She pedals down the street with her father running behind steadying the bike. I never got the hang of playing video games so I hate them. synonyms. get the hang of [sth] v expr. Hang fire. At first you drive all jerky and the car stalls a lot. However, if we use the present continuous, we don't use the word "never". Whether any specific rulers actually bestowed such a passive-aggressive gift is uncertain, but the term has since come to refer to any burdensome possessionpachyderm or otherwise. get the knack. Pend- is a Latin root meaning "hang" that gives us words like sentences. To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something. I know it's a little tricky getting the hang of the machine, but just keep practicing and you'll get it. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. That's my guess, anyway. For When 'Lowdown Crook' Isn't Specific Enough. Please note, I'm not sure at all about this, so I'd like to know if anyone else has heard this. When his more conservative superior officer flagged for him to withdraw, the one-eyed Nelson supposedly brought his telescope to his bad eye and blithely proclaimed, I really do not see the signal. He went on to score a decisive victory. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. In truth, the saying is most likely derived from the Freemasons, a centuries-old fraternal organization whose members undergo rigorous questioning and examinations before becoming third degree members, or master masons.. Pretty sure it refers to hanging something (like a framed photo or painting) up so that it is straight. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. The dog's tongue was hanging out. [VERB preposition/adverb] A light-bulb hanging from the ceiling filled the room with a cold yellow light. The law was later put to the test in 1819 during the infamous Peterloo Massacre, in which a cavalry unit attacked a large group of protestors after they appeared to ignore a reading of the Riot Act. If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, a straw will show which way the wind blows, (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you, the webmaster's page for free fun content. 2023. To get the hang of (something) "become capable" is from 1834, American English, perhaps originally in reference to a certain tool or feat, but, if so, its origin has been forgotten. colloq.) Updated: August 23, 2018 | Original: April 23, 2013. Change). The fascinating story behind many people's favori Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! : That fall and winter, Long forbearingly shepherded me through rewrites of the papers he assigned, and incrementally I started to get the hang of it. to acquire complete knowledge, understanding, or skill in, Post more words for get the hang of to Facebook, Share more words for get the hang of on Twitter. [intransitive, transitive] to bend or let something bend downwards hang adv./prep. The bender culminated in vandalism after Waterford and his fellow revelers knocked over flowerpots, pulled knockers off of doors and broke the windows of some of the towns buildings. . What is the origin of Getting the hang of it? something: I haven't got the hang of how to use the coffee-making machine yet. According to legend, if an underling or rival angered a Siamese king, the royal might present the unfortunate man with the gift of a white elephant. When a person is hung, the moment after the drop where the rope snaps tight either breaks the person's neck or it doesn't. For example. Accessed 1 May. Amokderived from the Amuco, a band of Javanese and Malay warriors who were known for their penchant for indiscriminate violencewas initially a source of morbid fascination for Westerners. Kids and adult newbies to the hoverboard world will appreciate the Razor Hovertrax Prizmas training setting, allowing riders to, Luckily, skin cycling is a pretty easy process to, After some practice, Brolin, who's married to legendary singer Barbra Streisand, started to, And while these mystery relatives have (presumably) never spent much time in front of a camera, most of them, But Computer Space proved too complex for tipsy patrons to, Judging from one photo, Pea is going to need to study some tape of his predecessor to really, With the latest surge of Covid-19 raging, now may be the ideal time to, Post the Definition of get the hang of to Facebook, Share the Definition of get the hang of on Twitter. The game sounds really complicated when it's being explained out loud, but you'll get the hang of it once you start playing. get the hang. On a scientific/technical note - most people who die from hanging don't die from either a broken neck or strangulation. Hey, Im think Im actually getting the hang of this new video game! Accessed 1 May. A common cause is 'vagal inhibition', whereby certain nerves in the neck are stimulated by the act of compression to induce a signal which causes the heart to stop. Tm hiu thm. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for get the hang of. Some historians have since dismissed Nelsons famous quip as merely a battlefield myth, but the phrase turn a blind eye persists to this day. noun the way in which a thing hangs. lovebug? I took her ice-skating for the first time, and she got the hang of it right away. suggest new. : You may have to direct them to leave space for the names, but they will get the hang of it after a while and they can then finish them up for you. "getting the hang of it" means getting used to performing a But, you had to mentally calculate how far in front to One theory argues the phrase relates to the various degrees of murder in the criminal code; yet another credits it to Thomas F. Byrnes, a 19th-century New York City policeman who used the pun Third Degree Byrnes when describing his hardnosed questioning style. Philately is to Stamps as ____ is to Rocks. Therefore, we often say "She never got the hang of it." or "I'll never get the hang of it.". aptitude. Send us feedback about these examples. "getting the hang of it" means getting used to performing a specific task. Learn a new word every day. See also: get, hang, of pulling the trigger, the flint striking, the gunpowder lighting, hanged), the surest way is to let him betray himself or be caught After a few months you start getting the hang of the language and expressing yourself quite well. READ ALONG TO PRACTICE YOUR ENGLISH AND TO LEARN THE MEANING OF GET THE HANG OF IT: So when you first start doing something you're not very good at it, but i. Need synonyms for hang of it similar words thesaurus that you can use instead. Once you get the hang of it, reading a good play can be a delightful and challenging experience. Languagehat, I know that this your bailiwick, but the OED's oldest cite there is 1845, and it seems far from confident, since that use is clearly one that was written long after the writer expected the idiom to be understood. To save this word, you'll need to log in. to swing freely, as on a hinge. "Not yet, but soon I'll get the hang of it.". get into the swing of it. When we use this expression, we use either the past tense (I got the hang of it), future tense (I will get the hang of it)or present continuous tense (Im getting the hang of it). catch that. Ask MetaFilter is where thousands of life's little questions are answered. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I know that English idioms can be hard, but Im sure youll get the hang of using them if you study hard! An acquired or natural skill at doing something. These days, angry parents might threaten to read the riot act to their unruly children. informal (learn to do) . Extra Examples kill somebody ( hanged, hanged) Definition of 'get the hang of sth' get the hang of sth phrase If you get the hang of something such as a skill or activity, you begin to understand or realize how to do it. Every time I get the hang of an idea it suddenly turns into something different and I turn into a fool! to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple: 2. to learn how to do Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, a straw will show which way the wind blows, (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you, the webmaster's page for free fun content, I don't want to sound like a busybody, but, I find your lack of (something) disturbing, I hear what you're saying, and I hear you. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. become proficient in acquire the skill of acquire the technique of catch on to learn the art of get going get into your stride get up to speed acquire become skilled at get become competent in know inside out get down pat learn the ropes gain familiarize oneself with get clued up about familiarize yourself with hit the books acquire skill in more Times, Sunday Times (2010) You'll get the hang of it with no pressure to perform. get how this works. get the hang of something ( informal) learn or begin to understand how to do, use, etc. Therefore,we oftensay She never got the hang of it. or Ill never get the hang of it. However, if we use the present continuous, we dont use the wordnever. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. For example, if you get or find your bearings, you succeed in learning about a new situation, especially learning where things are: It takes a while to get your bearings when you start a new job. Now, imagine, say, an animal running obliquely to you. Delivered to your inbox! See also: get, hang, of Buy our lists of British English, American English and Animal idioms in PDF format. Learn the proper way of doing, using or handling something; acquire the knack of something. Could it have to do with rigging? It took him a long time to get the hang of all the irregular verbs. get the hang of something1. Robbins says: "When you have a guy, I guess like myself, who can hang the ball up there, have high hang time, you benefit more from pro-style and letting your fast guys get down there . hang something She hung her head in shame. Maybe I misread. So, we would say Im not getting the hang of this. Note that we use the word this instead of it because its happening at that moment. 18 other terms for got the hang of it- words and phrases with similar meaning. The back of my brain is busy trying to tie this all together with "get the knack of" which leads me to "knickknack", which wait wasn't I. I agree with languagehat on everything except the "wielding" metaphor. If you're learning how to drive a stick shift, for Windzepher/iStock. Children hung (= were leaning) over the gate. (VCG Wilson/Corbis via Getty Images), https://www.history.com/news/10-common-sayings-with-historical-origins, 10 Common Sayings With Historical Origins. { idioms }. to get to understand, manage, master, deal with as an adept; to acquire the knack of. I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. [informal] It's a bit tricky at first till you get the hang of it. I'm not sure, but I was told it originated with a far less pleasant topic. The phrase later became even more popular after 1811s Battle of Albuera during the Napoleonic Wars. I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. get the feel. See, I like the usages I cited where "hang" is clearly a. I always thought it was an archaic usage of "hang" as suggested by dhartung's last search result, meaning balance and related to using a tool. Hang in the balance. Hang your hat on (something) Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com. got a knack. Delivered to your inbox! Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Horatio Nelson. It's a process that has to be done right, and was done quite often in the mid-1800s when the idiom started to appear in the United States. to get the hang of: to become familiar with the proper wielding or use of a tool; fig. specific task. The cartoon shows the leaders of two superpowers (Russia and USA) arm wrestling with a twist, they are sitting on Nuclear bombs, and their ngers are over the trigger. likewise, not let you down when you need him. be used to it. I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. See also: get, hang, of, something Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary Farlex 2017 See also: T Tabac Senior Member Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance master get learn pick up understand know drink (in) find out search (for) hit (on or upon) see study hear discover track (down) run down tumble (to) absorb Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! phrases. Like a child learning how to ride a bicycle. something: I haven't got the hang of how to use the coffee-making machine yet. It refers to a person trying to learn a new skill or new subject and the moment when all the study and or practice pays off. Cookie Notice She's getting the hang of driving. get the hang. Also, if we use it in the negative, it's very common to use the word "never". The Sun (2010) And incredibly, it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. The idiom for this week is to get the hang of something. get the hang of something phrase informal C2 to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple: "I've never used this program before." "Don't worry - you'll soon get the hang of it." I had never sailed a boat before but by the third day, I was getting the hang of it. During 1801s Battle of Copenhagen, Nelsons ships were pitted against a large Danish-Norwegian fleet. To top it all off, the mob literally painted a tollgate, the doors of several homes and a swan statue with red paint. In every business,in every industry, management does matter. verb transitive Word forms: hung, hanging, hanged 1. to attach to something above with no support from below; suspend 2. to attach so as to permit free motion at the point of attachment to hang a door on its hinges 3. to put to death by tying a rope about the neck and suddenly suspending the body so as to snap the neck or cause strangulation 4. Get the hang of. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20the%20hang%20of. get the hang of something ( informal) learn or begin to understand how to do, use, etc. It's quite parallel to "get the feel of.". I know it's a little tricky getting the hang of the machine, but just keep practicing and you'll get it. At first you drive all jerky and the car stalls a lot.. I was born December18,1963When would I graduate high school? what is the origin of the lovebug? when does coordination become the distinctive task of management why? I think Thorzdad and hungrysquirrels are close. I've seen some speculation as to the origin of the idiom, "getting the hang of it" but the explanation that is the most likely is just about the last thing you find when you search it online. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! The humanitarian thing was to let the person's neck break; this caused a quick death. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. You get the hang of the thing. ing. It took him a long time to get the hang of all the irregular verbs. It remains a diagnosable mental condition to this day. Only later did the phrase take on a negative connotation, and since the 1800s it has been used for those who are overly satisfied with past triumphs. getting used. 12. 11. Writing in 1772, the famed explorer Captain James Cook noted that to run amok is to sally forth from the house, kill the person or persons supposed to have injured the Amock, and any other person that attempts to impede his passage. Once thought to be the result of possession by evil spirits, the phenomenon later found its way into psychiatric manuals. I havent got the hang of how to use the coffee-making machine yet. A cigarette hung from her lips. (LogOut/ in the act by affording him greater leeway/opportunity (as in a To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something.