1
general::
1. Move past, as in There isn't room for this car to get by. 2. Manage to succeed or get along; also, barely succeed. For example, He's getting by even though he only works half-time, or If he applied himself, Paul could be getting A's, but instead he's just getting by. [Early 1900s] 3. Be unnoticed; also, get approval or pass inspection. For example, I wonder if these errors will get by the proofreader, or He hoped the paint job would get by. [Early 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): get by (with something)
1. to satisfy the minimum requirements. • I was failing geometry, but managed to get by with a D. • I took the bar exam and just barely got by. 2. Go to get away with something., Phrase(s): get someone or something by someone or something [and] get someone or something by
to get someone or something past an inspection. • Do you think I can get my cousin by the border guards? • I don’t think I can get this sausage by the customs desk., Phrase(s): get by (without someone or something)
to survive without someone or something. • I can’t get by without you. • We can probably get by without two cars., Phrase(s): get by (on a shoestring)
Go to get along (on a shoestring)., Phrase(s): get by (on a small amount of money)
to survive with only a small amount of money. • I can’t get by on that much money. • That is a very small amount of money to live on. No one could get by., Phrase(s): get by (someone or something)
to move past someone or something. • I need to get by this intersection, and then I will stop and look at the tires. • Please let me get by.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs