Squeak by Meaning in English
expression
ˈskwik/ /ˈbaɪ
SKWEEK BY
skwˈiːk/ /bˈaɪ
sk-WEEK BY
Definition
To succeed by a very small margin; to barely manage to achieve something, especially when it was almost a failure or loss.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, idiomatic phrase. Commonly used with passing exams, winning games, or achieving a goal by just enough. Other variants: 'just squeak by.' Don't use in formal writing.
Spanish: apenas lograrlo - pasar por pocoPortuguese (BR): passar por pouco - mal conseguirPortuguese (PT): passar por pouco - conseguir por um trizChinese (Simplified): 勉强通过 - 刚好完成Chinese (Traditional): 勉強通過 - 剛好完成Hindi: बस-बस कर के बच निकलना - मुश्किल से पार होनाArabic: بصعوبة يتخطى - ينجو بالكادBengali: কষ্টে পার হয়ে যাওয়া - অল্পের জন্য পাস করাRussian: еле-еле пройти - едва справитьсяJapanese: ぎりぎりで通る - かろうじて合格するVietnamese: vừa đủ để qua - vượt qua sát nútKorean: 근소하게 통과하다 - 가까스로 해내다Turkish: kıl payı geçmek - ucundan kurtulmakUrdu: طاقت سے گزر جانا - بمشکل کامیاب ہوناIndonesian: hampir tidak lolos - pas-pasan berhasil
Example Sentences
He managed to squeak by on the final exam.
basic
We only had enough money to squeak by this month.
basic
The team squeaked by with a one-point win.
basic
We really had to cut back this month just to squeak by.
natural
I didn't study much, but I still managed to squeak by somehow.
natural
They were lucky to squeak by in the playoffs after almost losing.
natural