To Get Away With – Meaning and Examples

Sometimes a person does something wrong but doesn’t get caught or punished. In English, we say they get away with it. This idiom is very common in everyday conversation. You will hear it in stories about rules, mistakes, and clever actions.

What Does “To Get Away With” Mean?

“To get away with” means to do something wrong or risky without being punished or facing bad consequences. Think of it like a student who copies homework but the teacher doesn’t notice. It is not about physically going away. It is about avoiding trouble.

When to Use It

You can use this idiom when talking about breaking small rules. Use it when someone isn’t caught making a mistake. You can also use it in a joking way with friends. It is an informal phrase, perfect for casual conversations.

Example Sentences

He tried to get away with not doing his homework.
You can’t get away with lying forever.
She got away with wearing jeans to the formal event.
I can’t believe they got away with that trick.

Mini Dialogue

Liam: “I ate the last piece of cake that mom was saving.”

Sophia: “And she didn’t notice? You really got away with it!”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember, this idiom is about avoiding consequences for an action. It is not about physically escaping from a place.

❌ Don’t say: “I need to get away with this busy city.” (Use “get away from” instead).
✅ Do say: “He thought he could get away with cheating on the test.”

Practice Tip

Think of a time you or someone you know ‘got away with’ a small thing, like being late. Try making a sentence about it to practice this idiom.

Final Note

You now understand how to use “to get away with” when talking about avoiding punishment. It’s a very common and useful phrase for everyday stories. Listen for it in movies and conversations, and you’ll be using it like a native speaker soon!

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