GET BY

{v.}, {informal} 1. To be able to go past; pass. * /The cars moved to the curb so that the fire engine could get by./ 2. To satisfy the need or demand. * /Mary can get by with her old coat this winter./ * /The janitor does just enough work to get by./ Syn.: GET ALONG(4). 3. Not to be caught and scolded or punished. * /The soldier thought he could get by with his dirty rifle./ * /The boy got by without answering the teacher's question because a visitor came in./ Compare: GET AWAY WITH.