1355 Get away with (something)

Explanation

To succeed in doing something wrong, illegal, or undesirable without being caught, punished, or suffering negative consequences.

Origin

Combines get away (escape) with with (indicating accompaniment escaping *with* the successful completion of the act).
The idea is escaping the negative repercussions that should normally follow the action.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Get off scot-free (escape without any punishment)
Pull a fast one (deceive someone successfully)
Wriggle out of (avoid responsibility or punishment cleverly)

Vulgar/Emphatic (often expressing anger):

How the fuck does he get away with that shit?
He thinks he can just bullshit his way through and get away with it.

Milder:

Avoid repercussions
Go unpunished
Not be held accountable

Situational Appropriateness

Informal to neutral.
Common in everyday conversation. Might be used cautiously in professional settings depending on the context (e.g., discussing competitors' unethical practices).

Misunderstanding Warnings

Learners might confuse the meaning with simply get away (escape, go on vacation). The with is crucial for the meaning of avoiding consequences for a specific action.

Examples

He cheated on the test and thought he could get away with it.
You'll never get away with lying to her; she always finds out.
How does he get away with parking there every day without getting a ticket?

Dialogue

Mia: Did you see Tom sneak out of the meeting early?

Leo: Yeah, I saw that! I can't believe he thinks he can get away with it.

Mia: The boss is going to notice eventually.

Leo: Definitely. He won't get away with it for long.

Response Patterns

Disbelief/Outrage: No way! / That's not fair! / How can they let him?
Skepticism: Are you sure? / He won't get away with it forever.
Curiosity: How did he manage that?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing someone got away with something:

Express opinion (disapproval, sometimes grudging admiration).
Ask how: How did they manage that?
Discuss potential consequences if caught: What would happen if they were found out?

If someone states someone *won't* get away with something:

Agree/Disagree.
Discuss why they'll likely be caught.

Conversation Starter

Not usually an opener, but can start a gossip or complaint session. Can you believe what she tried to get away with?

Intonation

Stress usually falls on GET, WAY (within away), and the thing being gotten away with.
He thought he could GET aWAY with IT. / How does he GET aWAY with PARKing there?

Generation Differences

Common across all generations.

Regional Variations

Widely used in all major English-speaking regions.

Fall through

🎲 Give in

[1355] Get away with (something)