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to get by
[phrase form: get]
01
to be capable of living or doing something using the available resources, knowledge, money, etc.
Intransitive
Example
They had to get by on a tight budget while they were between jobs.
In the wilderness, you learn to get by with limited supplies and survival skills.
Despite the financial challenges, they managed to get by on a modest income.
02
to escape notice or punishment
Intransitive
Example
The student attempted to get by without being accountable for plagiarism.
During the audit, the company aimed to get by without penalties for minor accounting errors.
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
Example
To reach the hidden treasure, they had to get by the dense jungle and various traps.
He had to get by the construction site to reach the store.
They had to get by the security checkpoint to access the restricted area.
04
to move past someone or something without being noticed
Transitive: to get by sb/sth
Example
The distraction allowed the team to get by the security cameras.
He slyly helped his friend to get by the security guard.
While I engage in conversation with the store manager, you can discreetly get by and grab what we need.
05
to do well enough to avoid failure by meeting the basic requirements
Intransitive
Example
Despite minimal preparation, she was able to get by in the presentation by covering the essential points.
He managed to get by in the exam by answering the minimum required questions.
He struggled with the subject but somehow managed to get by with a passing grade.
Example
They had to get by on a tight budget while they were between jobs.
In the wilderness, you learn to get by with limited supplies and survival skills.
Despite the financial challenges, they managed to get by on a modest income.
After moving to a new country, he had to learn the local customs to get by in the community.
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