get away with

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/ɡɛt əˈweɪ wɪð/
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To escape with something, avoid serious consequences, or manage with less than expected.
Practice using get away with in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • He was lucky to get away with only a reprimand.
  • You might get away with using less sugar.
  • He got away with just a warning.
  • They got away with very little equipment.
  • Could I get away with a smaller suitcase?

Similar words

escape with
be let off with
manage with
go unpunished
make do with
make off with
receive only
escape punishment

Meanings

Steal and escape

theft
neutral
To steal something and escape while carrying it.

Examples

  • The burglars got away with the jewelry.
  • Did the thieves get away with any cash?
  • They got away with two laptops before the alarm sounded.
  • The robbers failed to get away with the paintings.
  • She saw someone getting away with her bag.

Similar words

escape with
make off with

Receive a light penalty

punishment
neutral
To receive only a relatively small punishment for an offense.

Examples

  • He got away with just a warning.
  • Will she get away with a small fine?
  • The driver got away with community service.
  • They got away with a surprisingly light sentence.
  • He was lucky to get away with only a reprimand.

Similar words

receive only
be let off with

Avoid punishment

misconduct
informal
To do something wrong without being punished or criticized.

Examples

  • You cannot get away with lying to customers.
  • She got away with cheating on the test.
  • How long can they get away with this behavior?
  • He thought he could get away with skipping work.
  • They will not get away with breaking the rules.

Similar words

go unpunished
escape punishment

Manage with less

resources
informal
To manage using less than might normally be needed.

Examples

  • We can get away with one meeting a week.
  • Could I get away with a smaller suitcase?
  • In summer, she gets away with a light jacket.
  • They got away with very little equipment.
  • You might get away with using less sugar.

Similar words

manage with
make do with

Etymology

The expression combines get away, meaning escape, with with to mark what is taken, done, or sufficient.

FAQ

What does get away with mean?

It can mean escape with stolen goods, avoid punishment, or manage with less.

Can you get away with a fine?

Yes. That means the fine is the only or relatively light punishment.

Can you get away with cheating?

It means cheat without being caught or punished.

Can you get away with one lesson a week?

Yes. It means one lesson may be enough.

What are the past forms of get away with?

The verb becomes got away with; American English also uses gotten in some perfect forms.

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