Meaning trap
get away
avoid punishment
To avoid being blamed or punished for something wrong or dishonest that you have done.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To avoid being blamed or punished for something wrong or dishonest that you have done.
'get away' also has the more basic meaning 'escape'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He cheated on the exam and got away with it because no one noticed.crime
- Some people believe that wealthy individuals are more likely to get away with breaking the law due to their influence and resources.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: get away with something
WrongHe got away the crime.
RightHe got away with the crime.
For dodging blame, you need 'get away WITH something'.
Patternget away with something
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
Natives almost always say 'get away WITH it' for dodging punishment; bare 'get away' meaning this is unusual.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
get away withwith itwith murderscot-freeunpunished
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense 'escape', which means physically leaving a place or situation, this sense is figurative and focuses on avoiding negative consequences for an action. It does not involve physically leaving.
Related
- get away (escape) — 'get away' also has the more basic meaning 'escape'; this is the advanced sense.