This is a British expression which can be used in a number of ways:
1 To obtain an item, by purchase,
borrowing or other means;
2 To
initiate contact or communicate with a person or persons or an organisation;
3 To understand or appreciate an idea, concept or theory;
The Americans use the expression
get ahold of in a similar way.
1 “Can you
get hold of any 2 inch 10 brass screws?”
2 “That cunt Malcolm’s
gone off somewhere, I can’t get hold of him.”
3 “His ideas are so
abstruse they’re difficult to get hold of.”
