get away with

/ɡɛt ɐwˈeɪ wɪð/

[verb]

to get away with

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

[phrase form: get]

to escape punishment for one's wrong actions

to successfully accomplish a task or goal with minimal effort or resources, often by taking a shortcut or doing something that is not considered the best practice

Examples

1. The company had been getting away with murder for years before the scandal broke.

2. We would have gotten away with our plan if your dumb cousin hadn't started shooting off his mouth all over town.

3. Do you think we could get away with just one coat of paint on that wall?

4. He thought he'd get away with his crime, but he reckoned without the FBI agents.