Phrasal Verb – Get away with (something).
To do something wrong and not be punished for it. To escape criticism or consequences for your actions.
Get away with is a phrasal verb – and it’s always followed by an object: you get away with it, get away with cheating, get away with murder. Don’t confuse it with plain get away, which means to escape or go on holiday.
Get away with murder is an exaggerated version meaning someone can do whatever they like without being punished: “Her little brother gets away with murder – Mum never tells him off!”
Usage:
- Somebody cheats in an exam and doesn’t get caught.
- A player breaks the rules but isn’t punished.
- Someone does something risky and gets lucky.
Example:
- “The striker clearly used his hand to score, but the referee didn’t see it. It looks like he’s going to get away with it!”
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Look it upGet away withWiktionaryWhat is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with 1 or 2 small words. These small words are particles. A particle can be a preposition or adverb. The phrasal verb has a different meaning from the verb alone because the particle changes the meaning of the verb.
Frequently Asked Questions
To do something wrong without being punished or criticised for it.
To be allowed to do whatever you want without being punished. It is an exaggeration, not about real murder.
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