Get by on Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
GET-bye-on, GIT-bye-on
ɡˈɛt/ /bˈaɪ/ /ˈɒn
get-BYE-on
Definition
To manage to survive or live with only the minimum amount of something, such as money, food, or resources.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used with a resource (get by on $500 a month). Implies it is difficult but possible. Often confused with 'get by,' which is more general and doesn't always specify what is limited.
Spanish: arreglárselas con - sobrevivir conPortuguese (BR): se virar com - sobreviver comPortuguese (PT): desenrascar-se com - sobreviver comChinese (Simplified): 靠...勉强度日 - 靠...过活Chinese (Traditional): 靠...勉強度日 - 靠...過活Hindi: ...पर किसी तरह गुज़ारा करनाArabic: يكتفي بـ - ينجو بـBengali: নিয়ে কোনোমতে চলা - সীমিত কিছুতে টিকে থাকাRussian: выживать на - обходиться (чем-либо минимальным)Japanese: 〜でなんとかやっていく - 〜でしのぐVietnamese: sống chỉ với - xoay sở vớiKorean: ~로 겨우 버티다 - ~로 근근이 살아가다Turkish: geçinmek - idare etmek (kısıtlı imkanlarla)Urdu: گزر بسر کرنا - محدود چیز پر گزارا کرناIndonesian: bertahan dengan - hidup dari (sesuatu yang minim)
Example Sentences
It’s hard to get by on so little money.
basic
Some families have to get by on only rice and beans.
basic
Can you get by on less sleep?
basic
When I was a student, I used to get by on instant noodles every week.
natural
Most people can’t get by on minimum wage here.
natural
We’re just trying to get by on what we have until payday.
natural