get to grips with

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get to grips with (third-person singular simple present gets to grips with, present participle getting to grips with, simple past got to grips with, past participle (UK) got to grips with or (US) gotten to grips with)

1. (idiomatic, chiefly UK) To deal (with something) decisively, or to confront (it) head on.
2. (idiomatic, chiefly UK) To battle (with something).
   • 2011 November 11, Rory Houston, “Estonia 0-4 Republic of Ireland”, in RTE Sport‎:

     Estonia were struggling to get to grips with the game while Ireland were showing a composure and guile that demonstrated their experience in play-off ties.

3. (idiomatic, chiefly UK) To gain an understanding (of something).

• (to confront something directly): come to grips

• lose one's grip