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get away with

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get away with someone or something

to escape, taking someone or something with one. The kidnapper got away with little Brian. The burglars got away with a lot of cash and some diamonds.

See also: away, get

get away with something

 and get by with something

to do something and not get punished for it. (See also get away with murder) You can't get away with that! Larry got by with the lie.

See also: away, get

get away with something

to avoid blame, punishment, or criticism for doing something bad She cheated on the test and thought she could get away with it.

Usage notes: often in the form get away with it, as in the example

See also: away, get

get away with

1. Escape the consequences or blame for, as in Bill often cheats on exams but usually gets away with it. [Late 1800s]

2. get away with murder. Escape the consequences of killing someone; also, do anything one wishes. For example, If the jury doesn't convict him, he'll have gotten away with murder, or He talks all day on the phone-the supervisor is letting him get away with murder. [First half of 1900s]

See also: away, get