get away with

Definitions

1. 1

   To get away, or escape, taking (something) with one.

   • The thieves got away with a million pounds' worth of jewellery.
2. 2

   To escape punishment for doing something objectionable.

   • Do you think we could get away with taking Dad’s car?
   • Not many people have gotten away with stealing that much money.
   • Our teacher's so strict, he'd never let us get away with anything in class.
3. 3

   To avoid the consequences of doing something by an easier method.

   • It's warm today, so you can probably get away with just wearing a short-sleeved shirt.
   • The vehicles resemble something out of Thunderbirds. They have to be squat, long and narrow to fit through the body of the TBM. They also have a cab at each end, as there's no getting away with a three-point turn in a tunnel!
   • But we still sought out the very best cleaners because they let you get away with using cheaper or gentler detergents, loading extra-crusty dishes, or running the quick cycle even with dishes that are pretty gnarly.

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