Meaning of Idiom ‘To Get Along’
1. To get along, in regards to people (or animals) means to be on amicable terms, to be able to interact harmoniously and without ongoing conflict. A synonym for get along well. 1Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.,2Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary]. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
2. To manage; to survive; to have a reasonably happy and stress-free life; to prosper. 3Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
3. To leave; to go (somewhere); to depart. 4Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary]. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
Examples Of Use
“Unlike many people, I actually get along with my in-laws.”
“Terrence and I just don’t get along. We can’t talk without arguing.”
“We have two cats but they don’t get along.”
“He’s just trying to get along in the world, just like you.”
“We can only get along another few months before we are out of money.”
“Sorry, I’ve got to get along. We can continue this later.”
“Well, it’s been nice seeing you,” said Mr. Johnson, “but I’ve to get along to my next meeting.”
“You two get along home,” said Mom. “I’ll be there later.”
Origin
The last two uses, above, are the earliest, having been used since at least the mid-1800s.
More Idioms Starting with G
- Go Out On a Limb
- Green With Envy
- Give Someone a Break
- Give Me a Break
- Give Your Right Arm (for something)
More Along Idioms
More Get Idioms
Sources
| 1, 3. | ↲ | Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. |
| 2, 4. | ↲ | Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary]. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008. |