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get past

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To go past something that is blocking you, or to stop letting something bother you.

Literal meaning: To move beyond a physical object or person — transparent in physical use, idiomatic in emotional/process uses.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To move around or through a physical obstacle or obstruction.

"The corridor was so crowded that she couldn't get past the group of tourists."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To advance beyond a stage, level, or gate in a process or competition.

"They were a strong team but couldn't get past the semi-final stage."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To stop being affected by or stuck on a negative feeling or experience.

"She couldn't get past the feeling that she had let everyone down."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used in both literal contexts (physical barriers) and figurative ones (emotional blocks, stages in a process, security systems). 'Get past the first round' is common in competitive contexts.

Commonly used with

barrier guard stage point hurt anger first round security

Forms

Base
get past
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets past
he/she/it
Past simple
got past
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten past
have + pp
-ing form
getting past
continuous

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Synonyms

move beyond overcome surpass pass negotiate clear

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