1 B1 idiomatic informal
To barely pass an exam, test, or assessment with the minimum required result
"He squeaked through his driving test on the third attempt with just one minor fault."
inseparable
squeak through
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To barely succeed in passing a test, getting through a process, or surviving a difficult situation
In plain English
To just barely pass or get through something difficult
What does "squeak through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To narrowly succeed in getting past a difficult obstacle, selection process, or vote
"The bill squeaked through parliament by just three votes."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Like a mouse squeezing through the narrowest of gaps, just barely making it through with a squeak
Actually means
To just barely pass or get through something difficult
Usage tip
Common in both British and American informal English. Frequently used about passing exams, getting through selection processes, winning votes, or surviving difficult situations. Implies the result was very close and could easily have gone the other way.
Words that pair with "squeak through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
exam vote election qualification inspection round
How to conjugate "squeak through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
squeak through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
squeaks through
he/she/it
Past simple
squeaked through
yesterday
Past participle
squeaked through
have + pp
-ing form
squeaking through
continuous
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