English

Verb

get a life

1. (idiomatic, intransitive) To have a more interesting, eventful, or worthwhile existence.
   • 1995 Sept. 14, Joseph Berger, "Disgraced, Ex-Lawman In Rockland Avoids Jail," New York Times (retrieved 23 Aug 2016):

     "He's really broken. Hopefully he'll be able to find work somewhere and get a life."

   • 2006 Dec. 25, Lev Grossman, "Power To The People: Harriet Klausner, The Constant Critic," Time (retrieved 23 Aug 2016):

     "Harriet, please get a life," someone begged her on a message board, "and leave us poor Amazon customers alone."

Usage notes

• Most often used in the imperative, as a derogatory dismissal addressed to someone considered stuffy, tedious, or excessively nosy.

Translations