get the hang of

get the hang of — idiom

1. to become able to do or use something after practising, especially when it seems

1.idiomB1
Definition

to become able to do or use something after practising, especially when it seems difficult or unfamiliar at first

Example

Christopher is getting the hang of using the new coffee machine at work.

get the hang of + gerund (using)

After three lessons, Hiro finally got the hang of riding a bicycle.

past tense: got the hang of

Common collocations
  • finally get the hang of
  • slowly get the hang of
  • quickly get the hang of
  • get the hang of it
  • get the hang of things
Synonyms
  • master

    more formal; implies complete proficiency rather than basic competence

  • pick up

    more informal; suggests learning without formal instruction

  • get the knack of

    British English; very similar register and meaning

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

get the hang of + noun/gerund

Usage Note

Frequently used with a gerund or noun phrase as the object. The past tense (got the hang of) often marks a completed milestone, while the progressive form (getting the hang of) describes an ongoing learning process.

Common Mistakes

I get the hang of cooking now.
I am getting the hang of cooking now.
the progressive aspect is more natural when describing an ongoing skill that is still developing.
I got the hang to swim.
I got the hang of swimming.
the idiom always uses 'of', and the object must be a noun or gerund, not a to-infinitive.

Etymology

English

The phrase dates back to the 18th century, where 'hang' referred to a person's natural way or knack of doing something. The idea was that if you 'got the hang' of something, you had grasped its inner method or trick — much like getting a feel for how a tool hangs in your hand.