Go after

Meaning

The idiom "go after" has two meanings:

• To pursue or chase someone or something.
• To confront or challenge someone or something directly.

Usage

Here are five example sentences using the idiom in different contexts:

• The police officer went after the thief who had stolen my purse.
• The boss accused me of making a mistake, but I told him to go after it and find out the truth.
• The sports team went after their rival during the game, resulting in a heated match.
• The protesters went after the government officials who were seen as responsible for their grievances.
• The scientist went after the discovery of a new species that could potentially change the course of biology.

Roots and History

The idiom "go after" has been in use since at least the 16th century, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. The earliest known uses were related to hunting or tracking animals. Over time, it has come to be used more broadly to refer to any pursuit or confrontation, whether that's physical or emotional.

Synonyms in English

• Pursue
• Chase
• Confront
• Challenge
• Take on

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "ir a por" - This idiom has the same meaning as "go after" and is often used in Spanish-speaking countries.
• French: "aller vers" - This idiom means to go towards or approach someone or something, and can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
• German: "jagen" - This verb means to hunt or chase, and can be used figuratively to refer to pursuing a goal or idea.
• Italian: "vincere" - This idiom means to win or succeed in something, and is often used in both competitive and non-competitive contexts.
• Portuguese: "obter" - This verb means to get or obtain something, and can be used figuratively to refer to pursuing a goal or idea.

Similar Idioms

• Great Scott

• go through channels

• get down to brass tacks