Get by

phrasal verb

To manage to live or do a particular thing using the money, knowledge, equipment, etc. that you have.

Even though her salary is low, she finds a way to get by.
Visual representation of "get by" - To manage to live or do a particular thing using the money, knowledge, equipment, etc. that you have

Often appears as...

  • get by with less
  • get by on a tight budget

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrasal verb

To manage to go past or through a place or a group of people.

The hallway was so crowded, but she managed to get by.
Visual representation of "get by" - To manage to go past or through a place or a group of people

Often appears as...

  • get by unnoticed
  • get by the guards
phrasal verb

To avoid being noticed or punished.

He made many mistakes but managed to get by without anyone noticing.
Visual representation of "get by" - To avoid being noticed or punished

Often appears as...

  • get by unnoticed
  • get by undetected

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To manage to live or do a particular thing using the money, knowledge, equipment, etc. that you have.

Even though her salary is low, she finds a way to get by.
Visual representation of "get by" - To manage to live or do a particular thing using the money, knowledge, equipment, etc. that you have

Often appears as...

  • get by with less
  • get by on a tight budget

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrasal verb

To manage to go past or through a place or a group of people.

The hallway was so crowded, but she managed to get by.
Visual representation of "get by" - To manage to go past or through a place or a group of people

Often appears as...

  • get by unnoticed
  • get by the guards
phrasal verb

To avoid being noticed or punished.

He made many mistakes but managed to get by without anyone noticing.
Visual representation of "get by" - To avoid being noticed or punished

Often appears as...

  • get by unnoticed
  • get by undetected

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "get by"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Financial Sufficiency

Describes minimal survival without extra money or resources.

Illustration for Financial Sufficiency
He earns just enough to get by.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Thriving

Implies not living comfortably, but rather, meeting just the basic needs.

Illustration for Not Thriving
She's getting by, but can't afford any luxuries.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Resourcefulness

Suggests using what you have in a smart way to survive.

Illustration for Resourcefulness
They find ways to get by despite the hardships.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Financial Sufficiency

Describes minimal survival without extra money or resources.

Illustration for Financial Sufficiency
He earns just enough to get by.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Thriving

Implies not living comfortably, but rather, meeting just the basic needs.

Illustration for Not Thriving
She's getting by, but can't afford any luxuries.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Resourcefulness

Suggests using what you have in a smart way to survive.

Illustration for Resourcefulness
They find ways to get by despite the hardships.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Financial Sufficiency

Describes minimal survival without extra money or resources.

Illustration for Financial Sufficiency
He earns just enough to get by.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Thriving

Implies not living comfortably, but rather, meeting just the basic needs.

Illustration for Not Thriving
She's getting by, but can't afford any luxuries.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Resourcefulness

Suggests using what you have in a smart way to survive.

Illustration for Resourcefulness
They find ways to get by despite the hardships.
Visual representation of the word "Get by"

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