get by
Meaning(s)
1. move past something, have just enough of something to do what is necessary, pass unnoticed
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
I don't earn a lot, but I manage to get by
Analysis
The phrasal verb 'get by' means to manage to do something with difficulty or to have just enough resources in order to survive. If something 'gets by' someone it manages to occur without being detected or noticed. If someone 'gets by' on a test or exam it means they managed to do well enough not to fail.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Can you please move out of the way? I need to get by.
- Ever since I lost my job, I've only just been getting by. It's a very difficult time at the moment.
- You could probably get by with that car in the short term, but in the long run you will need something more reliable.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I'm not very good with numbers, but I manage to get by well enough to continue working at the firm.
- I couldn't have got by on £300 a month, that's why I had to turn the job down.
- The boss notices everything that goes on in the office. Nothing gets by her.