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to get by
01
to be capable of living or doing something using the available resources, knowledge, money, etc.
Intransitive
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
State verb
Regular
Inseparable
Particle
by
Base verb
get
Present tense
get by
3rd person singular
gets by
Present participle
getting by
Past simple
got by
Past participle
gotten by
Examples
He did n't know the local language, but he could get by using basic phrases and gestures.
02
to escape notice or punishment
Intransitive
Examples
In the undercover operation, the agent aimed to get by without arousing suspicion.
03
to move past an obstacle or challenge
Transitive: to get by an obstacle or challenge
Examples
To reach the hidden treasure, they had to get by the dense jungle and various traps.
04
to move past someone or something without being noticed
Transitive: to get by sb/sth
Examples
He slyly helped his friend to get by the security guard.
05
to do well enough to avoid failure by meeting the basic requirements
Intransitive
Examples
He managed to get by in the exam by answering the minimum required questions.
