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.”