Got Away With It
Meaning:
To escape the usual penalty. This Americanism originated in the second half of the nineteenth century. At one point, it also meant to get the better of someone.
Synonyms & Related Terms:
- Evade punishment
- Escape scot-free
- Dodge the bullet
- Walk free
- Wiggle out of trouble
Similar Expressions:
- Slippery as an eel: Extremely difficult to catch or pin down.
- Free as a bird: Completely free.
Did You Know?
The phrase was first used colloquially and was still considered slang when it appeared in the Congressional Record in 1892. An excerpt reads: “[They] will have to be content with the pitiful $240,000 that they have already ‘got away with.’”
Quotes:
- “The best way to get away with something is to act like you never did it.” — Author Unknown
- “Some escape punishment by more grace than luck.” — Wayward Wisdom
Proverbs:
- He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day: Sometimes, escaping can mean surviving to face another challenge later.
Recommended Reading:
- The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
- Catch Me If You Can by Frank W. Abagnale Jr.
- Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Songs & Movies:
- Song: “I Fought The Law” by The Bobby Fuller Four
- Movie: Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Thought-provoking Takeaway:
Is escaping liability a mark of wit or a flaw in integrity? While many cherish stories of clever escapes, they often come with ethical quandaries. Think about the broader ramifications of what it means to “get away with it.”
Farewell Thought: Remember, while it can be thrilling to dodge a bullet or escape unscathed, the true measure of character often lies in meeting challenges head-on with integrity.
With pen in hand and humor in heart, keep spinning stories. 🍀
