- To find a way to overcome, avoid, or bypass a rule, problem, obstacle, or difficulty.
Explanation
Origin
- Based on the literal meaning of moving physically around an object that is blocking one's path.
- Metaphorically applied to non-physical obstacles like rules, regulations, technical limitations, or problems.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Find a workaround / loophole
- Hack it / Game the system (Cleverly exploit rules/systems)
- Dodge it / Duck it (Avoid)
- Skirt the rules
Milder/Standard:
- Circumvent the restriction/problem
- Find an alternative approach
- Bypass the obstacle
- Navigate the challenge
More Negative:
- Evade the rule
- Flout the regulation (Openly disregard)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- The appropriateness depends heavily on context. Getting around a technical glitch is usually acceptable. Getting around a safety rule or law is problematic.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure learners understand it means bypassing an obstacle, not necessarily physical movement.
- The ethical dimension is crucial – getting around something isn't always neutral or positive.
Examples
- Is there a way to get around the website's paywall?
- We need to find a way to get around this budget limitation.
- He cleverly got around the rule by rephrasing his request.
Dialogue
Student 1: The software licence says we can only install it on one computer, but we both need it for the project.
Student 2: Hmm, that's a problem. Is there any way to get around that limitation?
Student 1: Maybe if we use a shared login? Or perhaps there's a student version with different terms? Let's check their website.
Social Media Examples
- Tech Forum Question: How do I get around the region lock on this streaming service? #VPN #Workaround
- Tweet: The city installed annoying barriers, but cyclists quickly found ways to get around them. #UrbanCycling #DesirePaths
- Life Hack Post: Need to get around minimum delivery order amounts? Try adding items you can easily return later. #ShoppingHacks
Response Patterns
- Offering Solutions: Maybe we could try X? / What if we did Y instead?
- Expressing Difficulty: I don't see how we can get around it. / It's pretty strict.
- Asking for Ideas: Any suggestions on how to get around that?
- Caution: Are we sure we should try to get around it? Is it ethical/allowed?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone suggests getting around something:
- Discuss the proposed method.
- Consider the risks or ethical implications.
After someone explains how they got around something:
- Ask for details of the method used.
- Assess its cleverness or legitimacy.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used when discussing how to deal with an obstacle.
Intonation
- Emphasis typically on around. How can we GET AROUND this rule?
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions.