squeak through
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To just barely pass or get through something difficult
Literal meaning: Like a mouse squeezing through the narrowest of gaps, just barely making it through with a squeak
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
exam vote election qualification inspection round
Forms
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
Understand "squeak through" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "squeak through" on Looplines