Get Away with It: 🎭 To Escape the Usual Penalty
Ever wonder how Houdini managed to escape those chains and water tanks? Well, most of us try to pull off miniature Houdini acts every day, attempting to get away with things—skipping chores, dodging deadlines, or eating the last slice of pizza. But fear not, whether you’re channeling a magician or just slipping by unnoticed, here’s the idiom right for the occasion.
Definition
“To Get Away With It” means to escape the usual penalty for an action, to evade punishment, or to successfully avoid consequences for an action, typically one that is considered wrongful.
Historical Tidbit
This Americanism originated in the latter half of the 19th century, and at one point, it also meant to get the better of someone. For instance, a line from the Congressional Record in 1892 noted, “[They] will have to be content with the pitiful $240,000 that they have already ‘got away with.’” Talk about making a getaway in broad daylight!
Synonyms
- Dodging the bullet 🛡️
- Slipping through the cracks
- Beating the rap
- Flying under the radar 🛩️
Antonyms
- Facing the music 🎶
- Taking the heat 🔥
- Paying the piper
- Getting busted 🚨
Related Expressions
- Skating on thin ice: Risking a negative consequence with a precarious action.
- Playing with fire: Engaging in risky behavior that can lead to dire consequences.
- Up to no good: Acting mischievously or deceitfully, usually avoiding consequences.
Engaging and Humorous Quotes:
- “I told my computer I needed a break, and now it still hasn’t fixed itself! Guess it decided to get away with it too!”
- “Politicians always seem to be playing a game of ‘Let’s see who can get away with it the longest!’”
Pro_v_erbs of Cunning:
- “Better to ask forgiveness than permission.”
- “He who has a mind to cheat won’t lack the means.”
Literary Dive and References:
- Book: “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn – A gripping tale of cunning and getting away with crime.
- Movie: “Catch Me If You Can” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks – A cinematic telling of real-life escapes and deceits.
- Song: “I Fought the Law” by The Clash – Listen for a punk rock ode to the never-ending battle with consequences.
- Poetry: “The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes – An evocative ballad about a charming, rogue figure trying to outwit authorities.
And now…
Test Your Wit with Quizzes!
And remember, while you may try to slip by unnoticed, life has a way of balancing the scales—until then, enjoy your mini escapes! 🌟
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell 🌀
“Life is a cosmic game of hide and seek; sometimes we hide, sometimes we seek, but always, cherish those fleeting moments when you truly get away with it.”
🌟 - L. O. Quentimer, October 2023
