English Reference

Phrasal verb

get round

Definition

phrasal verb. to find a way to deal with a problem or a rule without breaking it directly.

phrasal verb. to circumvent a restriction, obstacle, or regulation through ingenuity or by finding a loophole; often implies a clever or indirect solution.

Examples

“We found a way to get round the new rules.”

“The company managed to get round the tax laws by moving its headquarters to another country.”

“Experienced lawyers often find creative ways to get round the strictest contractual clauses to protect their clients' interests.”

Examples

simple

“We found a way to get round the new rules.”

contextual

“The company managed to get round the tax laws by moving its headquarters to another country.”

complex

“Experienced lawyers often find creative ways to get round the strictest contractual clauses to protect their clients' interests.”

Usage

usually followed by a noun representing a problem, rule, or obstacle.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'avoid' (which is more general) and 'bypass' (which is more technical); note that in American English, 'get around' is the standard equivalent.

Pitfall

They got round of the problem.

They got round the problem.

the verb is followed directly by the object; do not add 'of' after 'round'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

round

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

get + round + object

Synonyms

Antonyms

confrontobeycomply with

Related words

Grammar

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/get-round

English Reference