get by — to manage to survive or continue in a situation, especially with limited resources
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to manage to survive or continue in a situation, especially with limited resources
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡet baɪ/
Example Sentences
- My salary is low, but I can get by if I don't eat avocado toast every day.
- He can get by in French, but don't expect him to discuss quantum physics.
- Students often get by on instant noodles and dreams.
get by
VERB[/ɡet baɪ/]
to manage to survive or continue in a situation, especially with limited resources
With just rice and eggs, the students get by until payday next week.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase developed from Old English 'gietan' (to obtain, get) combined with 'bi' (near, by). The literal sense of 'getting near' or 'obtaining from nearby' evolved into the figurative meaning 'to manage or succeed with difficulty', expressing the idea of barely accomplishing something.
Breakdown
get (Old English 'gietan': to obtain, acquire) + by (Old English 'bi': near, beside, along). The preposition 'by' originally conveyed proximity or means, but in this phrase it developed the sense of 'manage with' or 'get through with'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My salary is low, but I can get by if I don't eat avocado toast every day.”
“He can get by in French, but don't expect him to discuss quantum physics.”
“Students often get by on instant noodles and dreams.”
“Excuse me, I need to get by to catch my train.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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