get the hang of
/ɡɛt ðə hæŋ ʌv/
Meaning
To learn how to do something, especially a skill that requires practice, and become comfortable with it. It suggests that while it was difficult at first, you are starting to understand it. It is very common in casual, everyday spoken English.
Examples
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Don't worry, skateboarding is hard at first, but you'll get the hang of it.
Don't worry, skateboarding is hard at first, but you'll get the hang of it.
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After a few days of training, she finally got the hang of the new software.
After a few days of training, she finally got the hang of the new software.
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It took me a while to get the hang of driving a manual car.
It took me a while to get the hang of driving a manual car.
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Are you getting the hang of using chopsticks yet?
Are you getting the hang of using chopsticks yet?
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Once you get the hang of the basic steps, the dance is actually quite easy.
Once you get the hang of the basic steps, the dance is actually quite easy.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I finally got the hang on the guitar.
✓ I finally got the hang of the guitar.
The preposition is strictly 'of', not 'on'.
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✗ She is getting hang of her new job.
✓ She is getting the hang of her new job.
You must include the definite article 'the' in this idiom. It is always 'get the hang of'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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It's a bit tricky, but with practice, you will soon ___ it.
💡 Learn how to do it
Show answer
get the hang of
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I'm slowly ___ this new video game; I just won my first match!
💡 Continuous form of the idiom
Show answer
getting the hang of