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# getting on

phrase (verb phrase: get on, gets on, got on, getting on; «getting on a bit», «getting on in years»)

«getting on» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism) getting old: «Grandad's getting on a bit».
2. having a good relationship: «we get on well».
3. making progress: «how are you getting on with your homework?»
4. (literal) climbing onto a bus, train or horse.
5. (of time) becoming late: «it's getting on, we should go».

### In the lessons

A gentle, everyday way to say someone is old, used about people and pets; polite, all regions, especially UK. The other senses are very common in school and daily life.

### Examples

- Our cat is getting on a bit now; she sleeps all day.
- Grandma's getting on in years but still swims every morning.
- My sister and I get on really well.
- How are you getting on with your project?
- We got on the bus at the school gate.
- It's getting on, so we'd better head home.
- The old dog was getting on and couldn't walk far.
- "I'm getting on," laughed Grandad, "but I can still beat you at chess."

### Note

Trap: many senses; «getting on» with nothing after it about a person usually means getting old. «Getting on with someone» = being friends. Plain word in the euphemism: old, ageing.