Phrasal Verb - Getting away with
· 3 min read
Image uploaded to Pixabay by peteyp8
.Definition
To 'get away with' something means to do something wrong, illegal, or undesirable without being caught, punished, or suffering the expected negative consequences. It implies a successful evasion of accountability, often due to luck, cleverness, or a lack of oversight. This phrasal verb is used when someone manages to avoid the repercussions that would normally follow a particular action, whether it's a minor transgression or a serious crime. It can also refer to succeeding in something despite not fully adhering to rules or standards, or despite a high risk of failure, without facing any adverse effects.
Examples
| No. | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | The student tried to cheat on the test, hoping to get away with it, but the proctor spotted his notes. |
| 2 | She consistently parks her car in a no-parking zone and always seems to get away with it, never receiving a ticket. |
| 3 | Many people are frustrated by how some corporations manage to get away with polluting the environment without facing significant penalties. |
| 4 | My little sister thought she could sneak an extra piece of cake, but she didn't get away with it; Mom counted them. |
| 5 | Despite his aggressive driving, the motorist somehow managed to get away with not causing an accident or being pulled over. |
| 6 | The detective was determined not to let the suspect get away with such a heinous crime. |
| 7 | You can't just ignore your responsibilities and expect to get away with it indefinitely; eventually, there will be consequences. |
| 8 | He managed to get away with leaving his homework incomplete for a week before the teacher finally noticed. |
| 9 | The company tried to cut corners on safety, hoping to get away with it, but an inspection quickly revealed their negligence. |
| 10 | It's tempting to tell a small white lie, but sometimes it's better not to risk it, as you might not get away with it. |