go get them

[ripley]

Hello,
iId like to know what "go get them" means.
Thanks. rip

 

[Ouisch]

It depends upon the context. It could be used in a literal sense, as in "chase after and capture them" (a command you'd issue to a police task force, for example) or "go and retrieve these objects" (a command you'd give to a dog or perhaps a group of children after you've thrown a bunch of objects into the distance). Sports coaches (particularly in football) might give their team a pep talk and encourage them to "go get them," which means "do your best in defeating the opposing team." A sales manager might encourage his staff to "go get them," meaning work hard and make a lot of sales.

 

[ripley]

It depends upon the context. It could be used in a literal sense, as in "chase after and capture them" (a command you'd issue to a police task force, for example) or "go and retrieve these objects" (a command you'd give to a dog or perhaps a group of children after you've thrown a bunch of objects into the distance). Sports coaches (particularly in football) might give their team a pep talk and encourage them to "go get them," which means "do your best in defeating the opposing team." A sales manager might encourage his staff to "go get them," meaning work hard and make a lot of sales.

Thanks a lot.
Is it possible to use this expression before a test at school, for example, to encourage a schoolfriend or can a teacher say that to his students?
Thanks Rip

 

[Ouisch]

Thanks a lot.
Is it possible to use this expression before a test at school, for example, to encourage a schoolfriend or can a teacher say that to his students?
Thanks Rip

Yes in both cases. "Go get them" (actually usually pronounced "go get 'em") is a common encouragement phrase spoken before any sort of challenging task.