get hold of someone—
1. physically grasp or hold a person:
- I got hold of him and dragged him back from the edge just in time.
2. locate a person; secure smb.’s presence:
- There had been considerable difficulty in getting hold of a key witness.
3. reach smb. on the telephone:
- I was able to get hold of the office manager and cancel the order.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase have hold of someone—(also: have a hold over someone) have power or control over a person:
- They are what is called “willed” to do certain things desired by the gentlemen who have hold of them.
take hold of someone— = get hold of someone 1:
- This beautiful and most anomalous structure is adapted to take hold of floating marine animals.