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."
inseparable
get past
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To move beyond a physical obstacle, overcome a barrier, or advance beyond a difficult stage.
In plain English
To go past something that is blocking you, or to stop letting something bother you.
What does "get past" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move beyond a physical object or person — transparent in physical use, idiomatic in emotional/process uses.
Actually means
To go past something that is blocking you, or to stop letting something bother you.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "get past"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
barrier guard stage point hurt anger first round security
How to conjugate "get past"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "get past" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "get past" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "get past"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
clear move beyond negotiate overcome pass surpass
Keep exploring
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