get by

verb

got by; got by or gotten by; getting by; gets by

intransitive verb

1

: to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment

2

: to make ends meet : survive

3

: to proceed without being discovered, criticized, or punished

Synonyms

• cope
• do
• fare
• get along
• get on
• make out
• manage
• shift

Examples of get by in a Sentence

working at night paid my college tuition and enabled me to get by—but just barely

Recent Examples on the Web

The Lions should have enough to get by the crumbling Bears, but the final two games against the 49ers and Vikings may be too much. —Steve Silverman, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Benji lives in Binghamton and, it’s suggested, gets by doing odd jobs. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024

Following building and loan manager George Bailey on an odyssey of rediscovery, the film continues to hold a place in the hearts of multiple generations with its message of value and appreciation for the everyman in America just trying to help his fellow neighbor get by. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024

After paying for all my bills and essentials, there's barely enough left to get by. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

get by

verb

1

: to make ends meet : manage

2

: to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment