1
general::
Phrase(s): get along
1. [for people or animals] to be amiable with one another. • Those two just don’t get along. • They seem to get along just fine. 2. to leave; to be on one’s way. • I’ve got to get along. It’s getting late. • It’s time for me to get along. See you later., Phrase(s): get along (on a shoestring) [and] get by (on a shoestring)
Fig. to be able to afford to live on very little money. • For the last two years, we have had to get along on a shoestring. • With so many expenses, it’s hard to get by on a shoestring.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Also, get on. Be or continue to be on harmonious terms. For example, She finds it hard to get along with her in-laws, or He gets on well with all of his neighbors except one. The use of along dates from the late 1800s; the use of on dates from the early 1800s. A colloquial synonym for get along well is get on like a house afire, in effect comparing increasingly good relations to the rapid progress of a fire. 2. Also, get on. Manage, fare with some success; also, prosper. For example, I can just get along in this town on those wages, or Her way of getting on in the world was to marry a rich man. The use of on dates from the late 1700s; the variant dates from the early 1800s. 3. get along without. Manage without something, as in With that new car loan, he can't get along without a raise. [Early 1800s] 4. Also, get on. Progress; advance, especially in years. For example, How are you getting along with the refinishing? or Dad doesn't hear too well; he's getting on, you know. [Late 1700s] Also see ALONG IN YEARS; GET ON, def. 5. 5. get along with you. Go away; also, be quiet, drop the subject, as in "Leave me. Get along with you" (Charles Dickens, Barnaby Rudge, 1837). [First half of 1800s] Also see GET ON.
American Heritage Idioms