The idiom "get to grips with" means to start dealing with something difficult or complicated in order to understand it or solve it. It is often used when someone is struggling to understand or manage a situation, and they need to make an effort to get a better understanding of it.
For example, if you are starting a new job and you are finding it difficult to understand the company's processes, you might say, "I need to get to grips with how things work around here." This means that you need to make an effort to learn and understand the processes in order to do your job effectively.
Another example could be if you are learning a new language and you are struggling with the grammar rules. You might say, "I need to get to grips with the grammar if I want to improve my language skills." This means that you need to make an effort to understand and learn the grammar rules in order to improve your language skills.
In summary, "get to grips with" is used when someone needs to make an effort to understand or manage something difficult or complicated.
• It took me a while to get to grips with the new software, but now I can use it easily.
• I need to get to grips with basic vocabulary before I can have a conversation in Spanish.
• As a journalist, it is essential to get to grips with a wide range of topics in order to write informed articles.
• After a few weeks of practice, I finally got to grips with driving on the left side of the road.
• I had to get to grips with the complex legal system in order to win my case.
• In order to succeed in my new job, I need to get to grips with the company's policies and procedures.