get to grips with

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get to grips with

1. (idiomatic, chiefly Britain) To deal (with something) decisively, or to confront (it) head on.
2. (idiomatic, chiefly Britain) To battle (with something).
   • 2011 November 11, Rory Houston, “Estonia 0-4 Republic of Ireland”, in RTE Sport‎:

     Estonia were struggling to get to grips with the game while Ireland were showing a composure and guile that demonstrated their experience in play-off ties.

3. (idiomatic, chiefly Britain) To gain an understanding (of something).

• (to confront something directly): come to grips

• lose one's grip