What does "manage with" mean (sense 1)?

To be able to function or succeed using limited or available resources. Example: "We only have one car, but we can manage with that for now."

manage with

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

To cope or succeed in a situation using only what is available, even if resources or conditions are not ideal.

In plain English

Be able to do what you need using only the things you have.

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B1 neutral

common

To be able to function or succeed using limited or available resources.

"We only have one car, but we can manage with that for now."

inseparable

Usage tip

Often used to express resourcefulness or to politely refuse more help than is needed ('I can manage with this, thank you').

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

less little what we have the resources just one

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

manage with

I/you/we/they

3rd person

manages with

he/she/it

Past simple

managed with

yesterday

Past participle

managed with

have + pp

-ing form

managing with

continuous

Listen to native speakers using "manage with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

cope with get along with get by with handle make do with

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.