Got round
/ɡɑt raʊnd/
verb phraseB2past tense
Definition
"Got round" is a phrasal verb used to talk about successfully dealing with a problem or difficulty. It can also mean persuading someone to accept an idea or do something they were hesitant about. It often involves overcoming obstacles or resistance.
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See It in Action
To find a way to overcome a problem or difficulty
- •We finally got round the problem by changing our plan.
- •She got round the traffic jam by taking a different route.
- •The team got round the technical issue with some creative ideas.
To persuade someone to do or agree to something
- •I wanted him to come to the party, and I got round him in the end.
- •She got round her parents to let her stay out late.
- •It took some time, but they got round the boss to approve the project.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "got round" like "solved" or "convince," but it focuses on finding a way around a problem or person, not just fixing or telling.
- ✓Picture walking around a big wall instead of climbing over it—finding an easier path.
- ✓It's the feeling when you convince a friend to join your plan even if they first said no.
- ✓Sounds like "got round" → imagine you "got" something and then "went round" a block to avoid trouble.
- ✓In stories, heroes often "get round" traps by clever thinking, not just force.
- ✓NOT like "force" (using power), "got round" is more about clever or gentle ways to succeed.
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (pretend problem is not there), "got round" means you face the problem and find a way.
- ✓NOT like "give up," "got round" means you keep trying until you find a solution.
Try Other Words
- •Overcome: to succeed in dealing with a problem (Use when focusing on beating the problem)
- •Persuade: to convince someone to do something (Use when focusing on changing someone's mind)
- •Bypass: to avoid a problem or obstacle (Use when emphasizing avoiding instead of fixing)
- •Convince: to make someone believe or agree (Use when focusing on changing opinion)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "get" (to obtain or reach) + "round" (around, on the other side)
- •Etymology: English phrasal verb formed by combining "get" + "round," meaning to reach or find a way around something
- •Historical development: Used since at least the 19th century to mean finding a way around problems or persuading people
- •Modern usage: Common in spoken English to talk about overcoming difficulties or influencing others in informal contexts
Reflect & Connect
•What kind of problems have you had to "get round" in your life, and how did you do it?
•How does "getting round" someone differ from simply telling them what to do?
Fill in the blanks
1.They got round the ___ by asking for help from an expert.
2.It took a lot of effort, but she finally got round her ___ to accept the idea.
3.We needed to get round the ___ quickly to finish the project on time.
4.He got round the rules by finding a ___ way to do the work.
5.Getting round someone often requires good ___ skills and patience.
6.She got round the problem instead of trying to ___ it directly.
7.When you get round a problem, you usually find a ___ that works for you.