get by

1.  Move past, as in There isn't room for this car to get by.
2.  Manage to succeed or get along; also, barely succeed. For example, He's getting by even though he only works half-time, or If he applied himself, Paul could be getting A's, but instead he's just getting by. [Early 1900s]
3.  Be unnoticed; also, get approval or pass inspection. For example, I wonder if these errors will get by the proofreader, or He hoped the paint job would get by. [Early 1900s]

The verb has 3 meanings:

Meaning #1: come to terms or deal successfully with
  Synonyms: cope, make out, make do, contend, grapple, deal, manage

Meaning #2: pass or move in front of

Meaning #3: escape potentially unpleasant consequences; get away with a forbidden action
  Synonyms: get off, get away, get out, escape