get by: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get by’ mean?
The idiom "get by" means to manage or cope with a situation, usually with some difficulty or without achieving a high level of success.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "make do" means to manage or cope with something, often with limited resources or in a less than ideal situation.
Meaning: When faced with a difficult situation or a shortage of resources, the phrase "in a pinch" means to manage or get by, even though it may not be the ideal solution.
The idiom "handle oneself" means to behave or manage oneself in a certain situation. It implies being able to cope or deal with a particular circumstance or challenge independently and competently.
The idiom "hack it" means to manage or cope with a situation or task despite difficulties or challenges. It implies the ability to handle or succeed in a particular situation, often through perseverance or improvisation.
This idiom means to adapt to a situation or circumstance without resisting or trying to control it. It implies going along with whatever is happening and not trying to change or fight against it.
The idiom "go by the wayside" means to be forgotten or abandoned, usually due to a lack of attention or interest.
The idiom "go by the board" means to be disregarded, ignored, or abandoned. It refers to something that is set aside or eliminated, usually due to changing circumstances or priorities.
The idiom "go along to get along" means to conform or agree with others in order to avoid conflict or maintain harmony, often sacrificing personal opinions or beliefs.
The idiom "get to grips with" means to become familiar with or understand something difficult or challenging. It implies taking control and actively engaging with the subject matter in order to overcome any obstacles or difficulties.
Cracking the Code
The idiom *get by* is a phrasal verb that is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, primarily in the United States. It originated in the late 1800s and has been a part of the English language for well over a century. Its basic meaning is to manage or survive with the resources or skills currently available.
When someone says they are able to *get by*, they are indicating their ability to cope or make do with limited or inadequate means. It is often used to refer to getting through a difficult or challenging situation without any significant improvement or advancement. This idiom can be used in various situations, whether it's referring to financial constraints, personal challenges, or even societal limitations.
One way the idiom *get by* can be related to is the phrase *make do*. Both idioms convey the idea of managing with limited resources. When we *make do*, we are making the best of what we have, even if it's not ideal. Similarly, when we *get by*, we are finding a way to survive or manage despite limited means.
In addition to *make do*, another related idiom is *hack it*. To *hack it* means to manage or cope with a difficult situation or task. It implies a sense of being able to handle or overcome challenges. This is similar to the notion of *getting by*, as both idioms suggest an ability to persevere through adversity.
Another related idiom is *get along*. When we say we are able to *get along*, we mean that we are able to manage or function adequately in a particular situation. It is about being able to exist or coexist in a certain environment or relationship. This is similar to the idea of *getting by*, as both idioms involve navigating through life with the resources and skills available to us.
Furthermore, we have the idiom *go without*. This phrase refers to not having something that is typically considered necessary or desirable. When we *go without*, we are managing or surviving without the presence or assistance of something we would prefer to have. This aligns with the concept of *getting by*, as both idioms involve making do with limited resources or going without certain things.
Lastly, we have the phrase *get something over with*. This means to finish or complete something, usually a task or obligation, in order to move on or alleviate its burden. It implies a sense of wanting to get through something quickly and efficiently. This can be related to *getting by* as both idioms involve getting through a situation or task, whether it's managing with limited resources or completing something to move forward.
The idiom *get by* captures the essence of managing or surviving with limited resources or skills. It is a widely recognized and utilized phrase in the English language, and its usage continues to be relevant in contemporary communication. By understanding the meaning and connotations of this idiom, we gain valuable insights into how language evolves and reflects the human experience.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "get by" can be used in a sentence:
- I lost my job, so I'm just trying to get by until I find a new one.
- Despite her limited language skills, she managed to get by in a foreign country.
- With a little bit of help from her friends, she was able to get by in difficult times.
More "Survival" idioms
