Phrasal verb
get by
Meanings
to manage or cope with what you have, especially with limited money, time, or resources
to do something at an acceptable level without great skill or effort
to pass or move past someone or something, often with difficulty
Definition
To get by means to manage with the resources you have, even if they are limited.
When you get by, you succeed in living or doing something with enough money, time, or skill, even though it may be difficult. It often suggests that the situation is not ideal, but it is workable. People commonly use it to talk about managing everyday life, especially with limited resources.
Examples
- I can get by on leftovers until I go grocery shopping.
- She could get by in French during her trip, but she wasn’t fluent.
- They barely get by on one income right now.
- We had to get by the parked truck on the narrow road.
- He can get by with a simple toolbox for most repairs.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse get by (manage) with get away (escape) and use the wrong phrasal verb in context.
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.