Definition of the word get around

The expression "get around" originated in the early 20th century, and its first recorded use dates back to the early 1900s. Initially, it was used in the context of travelling, particularly in relation to sailors and their ability to move from one place to another. In seafaring terminology, "getting around" referred to a sailor's knowledge of the seas and his skill in navigating them. This meaning can still be found in nautical texts from the time. The phrase also developed a more colloquial meaning, referring to the ability to travel widely and see much of the world. As time progressed, the expression came to have a broader application. Today, it can imply various meanings depending on the context. It could mean moving easily from one place to another, as in "he gets around town quickly". Alternatively, it could refer to the ability to make one's way in the world, whether in terms of personal relationships or professional success, as in "he got around famous people easily". In each of these uses, the meaning remains related to mobility and the ability to navigate one's surroundings successfully.