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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Get the message

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Understand what someone is trying to communicate, especially indirectly.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. When everyone packed up their notebooks, I got the message that the meeting was over.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

Understand what someone is trying to communicate, especially indirectly.
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Get the message — Understand what someone is trying to communicate, especially indirectly.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Get the message” about your own life.

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Understand what someone is trying to communicate, especially indirectly.

Compare: When everyone packed up their notebooks, I got the message that the meeting was over.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this informal expression when someone recognises a hint or an implied point. “Get the message!” as a command can sound impatient.

More examples in context

  • I mentioned the early start twice, but he still didn’t get the message.
  • She moved the empty cups towards me, and I got the message: it was my turn to wash up.

Usage note

This idiom concerns understanding, rather than simply receiving a text or email. For clarity, state what was understood if the context does not make it obvious.

A short conversation

A: Did Ravi realise you needed quiet?
B: Yes, I put on my headphones, and he got the message.
A: Good—now you can finish your reading.

One more practice question

A friend hints that they need to leave, and you understand. What have you done?

A. Misunderstood their intention.
B. Got the message.

Check your answer

B. Getting the message means recognising what the person is trying to communicate.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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