get around

present singular third person gets around · participle present getting around · past got around · UK participle past got around · US participle past gotten around

1. To move to the other side of (something, such as an obstruction) by deviating from a direct course or following a curved path.

   The tide was too high, and we couldn't get around the rocks.

   2 more examples

   There's no trail going through. We can't get around to the lake.

   We'll get a good view of the mountains when we get around the bend.

2. figurativelyTo avoid or bypass an obstacle.

   Tax consultants look for ways to get around the law.

3. To circumvent the obligation and performance of a chore; to get out of.

   My brother always gets around cleaning his room himself.

   2 more examples

   How did you get around having to write the executive report?

   I wrote him a hell of an appeal. It was so good that if the Warden didn't reverse the action, he would look like a fool on down the line when someone of higher command did. Well, needless to say they found a way to get around it. They "lost" it; and no, he can't resubmit it because the 15 day period for appeal has expired.

   1988 February 21, Jery Ragland, “A Hell Of An Appeal”, in Gay Community News, volume 15, number 31, page 5

4. To transport oneself from place to place.

   Granny uses a wheelchair to get around.

   2 more examples

   How's he gonna get around without a car?

   The Leicester Daily Mercury reflected on how these concerns were the result of changing ways of getting around: "It might sound a bit crazy or just a little revolting that at Christmas works parties, some should drink themselves into a near-insensible state... This was not serious when they used public transport, but today more men and women use their own cars."

   2023 December 27, David Turner, “Silent lines...”, in RAIL, number 999, page 29

5. To visit numerous different places.

   From town to town (get around round round I get around)

   1964, Brian Wilson and Mike Love, I Get Around (Beach Boys song). I'm gettin' bugged driving up and down the same old strip I gotta find a new place where the kids are hip My buddies and me are getting real well known Yeah, the bad guys know us and they leave us alone I get around (get around round round I get around)

6. slangTo be sexually promiscuous.

   Wow, she really gets around.

7. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see get, around.

   Synonyms: get round, go around