go after

go after (third-person singular simple present goes after, present participle going after, simple past went after, past participle gone after)

1. To pursue in attempt to catch another.

   The downed officer couldn't go after the criminal.

2. To pursue an object or a goal.

   In Little League, usually everyone goes after the ball.

   Inspired, the scientist went right after the new idea.

Not to be confused with "going after someone", meaning following someone or something in sequence.

• get after