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.
Some people believe that wealthy individuals are more likely to get away with breaking the law due to their influence and resources.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He got away the crime.
Say: He got away with the crime.
For dodging blame, you need 'get away WITH something'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
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 with
- with it
- with murder
- scot-free
- unpunished
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- get away (escape) — 'get away' also has the more basic meaning 'escape'; this is the advanced sense.