skate by

skate by

1. Literally, to pass by (someone or something) on ice skates, roller skates, inline skates, or a skateboard. We went out on our boards and skated by the principal's office I stood at the edge of the ice rink and watched my daughter skate by.
2. To accomplish or make progress through something with very little effort or difficulty. He has been able to skate by for his whole life because of his parents' money and connections. This MA isn't going to be like your undergraduate degree, Sarah. You can't just expect to skate by without putting in the work.
See also: by, skate
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • skate on
  • skate on (something)
  • skate around
  • skates
  • get (one's) skates on
  • get your skates on
  • get/put your skates on
  • put (one's) skates on
  • be thrown off balance
  • (as) awkward as a cow on roller skates