get past

get past (someone or something)

1. To be able to pass an obstacle. We'll never be able to get past that overturned truck up ahead.2. To move someone or something past an obstacle. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "past." Good luck getting a shot past their stellar defense.3. To be able to move ahead of someone or something. Ugh, this guy is walking so slowly—let's try to get past him.4. To be able to overcome or overlook something that has happened. I'm sorry, but I'll never be able to get past the fact that Robert cheated on you. Not all couples can get past something like infidelity.5. To cause or help someone to overcome or overlook something that has happened. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "past." Therapy got me past those dark times.6. To manage to hide something from someone else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "past." I'm not surprised mom found out about you sneaking in after curfew—you know you can't get anything past her.See also: get, past

get something past

 (someone or something) 1. Lit. to move something around or ahead of someone or something that is in the way. Let's get the piano past the bump in the floor, then we'll figure out how to move it farther. See if you can get the ball past their goalie by shooting high. 2. Fig. to get someone or a group to approve something; to work something through a bureaucracy. Do you think we can get this past the censors? I will never get this size increase past the board.See also: get, past

get past

 (someone or something) 1. to move around or ahead of someone or something that is in the way. We have to get past the cart that is blocking the hallway. We just couldn't get past. 2. to pass ahead of someone or something that is moving. I want to get past this truck, then we can get into the right lane. When we get past, I'll stop and let you drive.See also: get, past

get past

v.1. To reach the other side of something: It was raining hard, but once we got past the floodplains, we felt safer.2. To cause something to reach the other side of something: If you can get the supplies past the guards, the prisoners can take them and no one will notice.3. To overcome something; no longer need to deal with something: Your advice helped me get past my problems.4. To cause someone to overcome some obstacle: The cash advance got me past the winter.See also: get, past