Phrasal verb
get away with
To do something wrong or illegal without being caught or punished.
Meanings
To do something wrong or illegal without being caught, punished, or suffering any bad consequences.
Definition
This phrasal verb means to succeed in doing something bad, illegal, or undesirable without experiencing any negative consequences, such as punishment or being discovered. It implies a successful evasion of accountability. Often, it refers to escaping punishment for a crime or a mischievous act.
Examples
- The student tried to cheat on the exam, hoping to get away with it, but the professor caught him.
- It's incredible how some politicians manage to get away with such blatant corruption for so long.
- After breaking the antique vase, the child thought they could get away with blaming the dog.
- She was convinced she could get away with skipping a few classes without anyone noticing.
- Many people believe that shoplifters often get away with their crimes due to lack of security.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "get away with" (escape punishment) with "get by" (manage to survive or cope) or "get off" (receive a lighter sentence or avoid punishment for a specific charge).
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More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.