1
general::
Phrase(s): (I’ve) been getting by.
Inf. a response to a greeting inquiry into one’s well-being indicating that one is having a hard time surviving or that things could be much better. (See also (I’m) just getting by.) • John: How are things? Jane: Oh, I’ve been getting by. • Sue: How are you doing? Mary: Been getting by. Things could be better.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs