Definition of "get away with" in English

Verb

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

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

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. 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.