Skate by Meaning in English
expression
ˈskeɪt/ /ˈbaɪ
SKAYT BYE
skˈeɪt/ /bˈaɪ
sk-AYT by
Definition
To get through a situation or task with minimal effort, just enough to manage or avoid trouble.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often implies the person is doing less than expected or required. Common with work, school, or responsibilities. Not literal; does not refer to actual skating.
Spanish: salir del paso - sobrevivir (justo)Portuguese (BR): se virar - passar por poucoPortuguese (PT): desenrascar-se - safar-seChinese (Simplified): 勉强应付过去 - 勉强过关Chinese (Traditional): 勉強應付過去 - 勉強過關Hindi: किसी तरह निकल जाना - मुश्किल से बच निकलनाArabic: تجاوز الأمور بصعوبة - الاكتفاء بالحد الأدنىBengali: কষ্ট করে টিকে থাকাRussian: еле справляться - с трудом обойтисьJapanese: なんとか切り抜ける - うまくごまかすVietnamese: vượt qua một cách dễ dàng - chỉ đủ để quaKorean: 간신히 넘기다 - 적당히 넘어가다Turkish: kıl payı kurtulmak - zar zor geçirmekUrdu: کسی طرح گزارا کرنا - بمشکل کسی چیز سے نکل جاناIndonesian: hanya lolos - hampir tidak berhasil
Example Sentences
He always tries to skate by in class without doing the homework.
basic
You can't just skate by at your new job; you need to show effort.
basic
Some students try to skate by with the lowest passing grade.
basic
She managed to skate by without anyone noticing she forgot the meeting.
natural
You might skate by now, but eventually people will expect more from you.
natural
I used to skate by on my charm, but now I have to work hard to succeed.
natural