get by meaning and definition

GET BY verb

Definition of get by (verb)

1. come to terms with
   • "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day"
   • synonyms: contend, cope, deal, grapple, make do, make out, manage
2. pass or move in front of
   • "Bride's Biscuit got by the other dogs to win the race"
3. escape potentially unpleasant consequences; get away with a forbidden action
   • "She gets away with murder!"; "I couldn't get out from under these responsibilities"
   • synonyms: escape, get away, get off, get out