English · Daily Life
get by
/ɡet baɪ/
[/ɡet baɪ/]
manage; survive
Intermediateverb
Definition
To manage to survive or cope, especially with limited resources.
Example
On such a small salary, they barely get by, but somehow they always pay the rent on time.
On such a small salary, they barely get by, but somehow they always pay the rent on time.
Etymology
From 'get' plus 'by', meaning to pass through or manage, since the 19th century.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for managing financially or coping with just enough.