Learn English – What does “get to be” mean

phrase-meaning

https://www.lingq.com/lesson/lesson-19-taking-risks-431414/

Hey, you know I didn't get to be where I am today without taking some
risks.

What does "get to be" mean in the above context? I guess it means "reach", but I am not sure. and I need some simple examples in plain English of using "get to be".

Best Answer

Hey, you know I didn't get to be where I am today without taking some risks.

= same as =

Hey, you know I didn't acquire the position that I am in today without taking some risks.

...implying that the speaker is in a "high position" with the company they work for, and possibly implies that they earn lots of money.

After thinking more about it,

"I get to" implies a good, positive thing that is going to happen to me (either now or in the future).

It is the opposite of "I have to" which implies I am not happy about something that I need to do (either now or in the future).

I get to fly an airplane tomorrow! :-)

I get to go home and see my children now! :-)

...as opposed to:

I have to go to the dentist tomorrow. :-(

I have to go home and see my children now. :-(

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