Let's get started

[tryingtogettothebottom]

Hi,

I hear the phrase "Let's get started" all the time and I'm pretty sure it means "Let's start". Does the verb "get" in this context have a meaning of "become" (Let's become started)? Similarly to "Let's get ready" = "Let's become ready"? Or it has a meaning of "be"? "Let's get started" = "Let's be started?" I know that the difference might be very subtle, but I'd like to figure it out.

Thank you

 

[5jj]

It's not the meaning of the individual words that matters; it's the idiomatic phrase get started.

Definition of GET STARTED

to begin doing or working on something; to begin an important period in one's life or career… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

 

[jutfrank]

Does the verb "get" in this context have a meaning of "become" (Let's become started)? Similarly to "Let's get ready" = "Let's become ready"?

Yes, that's right. That's how I understand it.

As 5jj says, though, you'll do better to focus on the meaning and use of the phrase as a whole. It's used a way to signal to the listener that you want to start.