get past

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle past

Usefulness

Meanings

1

Pass an obstacle or person and reach the other side

Passing

Why “past”? A person or thing continues beyond a physical point, person, or obstacle.

“We could not get past the fallen tree.”
We could not pass the fallen tree and reach the other side.
“The cyclist got past the slow bus.”
The cyclist passed the slow bus and continued ahead of it.
“How did the cat get past the gate?”
How did the cat pass the gate and reach the other side?
2

Recover from a difficult event or feeling so it no longer controls you

Beyond Difficulty

Why “past”? A difficult event, feeling, or limit stops controlling what a person can do next.

“It took her months to get past the breakup.”
It took her months to recover from the end of the relationship.
“He could not get past the mistake.”
He could not accept the mistake and continue with his life.
“They helped us get past the shock.”
They helped us recover from the shock.

Test yourself

“We could not get past the fallen tree.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

move past

Same past pattern: passing

Continue beyond a place or point

push past

Same past pattern: beyond difficulty

Continue beyond a limit or difficulty through effort

get about

Same base verb: get

Move around or travel in general

get across

Same base verb: get

Successfully communicate an idea; Reach the other side of a place or barrier

get ahead

Same base verb: get

Make progress in life or career; Do something in advance; Become more successful or advanced than someone else

get along

Same base verb: get

Have a friendly relationship with someone; Manage in a particular situation

get around

Same base verb: get

Avoid a rule or difficulty; Travel or move about; (of news) become widely known; Find time to do something

get at

Same base verb: get

Criticise someone repeatedly or unfairly; Suggest or mean something indirectly; Reach or gain access to something

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