ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get by

idiom
Meaning

To subsist; to succeed, survive, or manage, at least at a minimal level.


Examples
SIMPLE

I have enough money to get by this month.

CONTEXTUAL

After losing his job, he had to cut his spending significantly just to get by until he found new work.

COMPLEX

Despite the harsh conditions and limited resources, the small community managed to get by through shared labor and careful rationing.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  4. 04

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  5. 05

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  6. 06

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

  7. 07

    five will get you ten

    I strongly believe.

  8. 08

    get a charge out of

    To derive excitement, entertainment, or pleasure from.

Last updated April 17, 2026