get to the bottom of (something)

get to the bottom of (something)

To determine the cause or source of something or solve the mystery of something. What is causing this water leak? Has anyone gotten to the bottom of it yet? I have every confidence that our detectives will get to the bottom of this crime.See also: bottom, get, of

get to the bottom of something

Fig. to get an understanding of the causes of something. We must get to the bottom of this problem immediately. There is clearly something wrong here, and I want to get to the bottom of it.See also: bottom, get, of

get to the bottom of

Find the basic underlying quality or cause of something. For example, He was determined to get to the bottom of the problem. [Late 1700s] Also see at bottom. See also: bottom, get, of

get to the bottom of something

COMMON If you get to the bottom of a problem or mystery, you discover the truth about it. The attack was quite severe. We intend to get to the bottom of things and, if needs be, ensure that action is brought against those responsible for it. The secrets of a truly happy couple are ultimately a private mystery, but we've tried to get to the bottom of it.See also: bottom, get, of, something

get to the bottom of

find an explanation for (a mystery).See also: bottom, get, of

get to the ˈbottom of something

find the true cause of something or the solution to something: We’re determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. OPPOSITE: scratch the surface (of something)See also: bottom, get, of, something