What does “Get away with murder” mean?
"Get away with murder" means to escape punishment for a serious wrongdoing.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He thought he could get away with murder, but eventually got caught.
Example
The corrupt politician has been getting away with murder for years.
Example
She always manages to get away with murder because of her charm
Is “Get away with murder” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Get away with murder” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Get away with murder” effectively in context?
You can use "Get away with murder" to describe someone who avoids punishment or consequences for a serious wrongdoing. It emphasizes the idea of getting away with something that is normally considered unacceptable or illegal. For example, if a friend cheats on a test and doesn't get caught, you might say, 'He always manages to get away with murder.'
- 1Crime
The notorious criminal has been getting away with murder for years, leaving no evidence behind.
- 2Workplace
The lazy employee always slacks off and gets away with murder because the boss never notices.
- 3Relationships
She manipulates people with her charm and gets away with murder in her personal life.
Similar phrases to “Get away with murder”:
Pull a fast one
To deceive or trick someone
Example
He tried to pull a fast one, but we caught him in the act.
Slip through the cracks
To go unnoticed or escape attention or detection
Example
The error slipped through the cracks and wasn't caught until later.
Fly under the radar
To go unnoticed or escape attention or detection
Example
He always flies under the radar and avoids getting in trouble.
Beat the system
To find a way to succeed or avoid punishment within a flawed or unfair system
Example
He managed to beat the system and avoid paying taxes.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Get away with murder” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Get away with murder" is unknown.
Is “Get away with murder” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Get away with murder" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express frustration or disbelief when someone avoids punishment or consequences for their actions.
What tone does “Get away with murder” have?
"Get away with murder" conveys a tone of disapproval and astonishment. It's often used to criticize someone's ability to escape accountability for their wrongdoings.
Can “Get away with murder” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "get away with murder" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of avoiding punishment or consequences. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as discussions, presentations, or written reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He thought he could get away with murder, but eventually got caught.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She always gets away with murder!' to express frustration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- escape punishment
- avoid consequences
- evade accountability
- get off scot-free
- walk away unscathed
Antonyms
- face the music
- take responsibility
- suffer the consequences
- be held accountable
- pay the price
