Gets the Gist of is a phrase that means to understand the main points of something. The two crossword solutions for this phrase are 'grasps' and 'SEES'. Grasps implies a more active understanding, as if one is taking hold of the concept, while SEES implies a more passive understanding, as if one is simply observing the concept. Both words suggest that the person has a basic understanding of the concept, but not necessarily a full understanding.