use by

Related to use by: Use by date

use (something) by (some date)

1. To consume or cook with some kind of food or drink before the expiration of its shelf life (which is often indicated by a specific date on the product's packaging). We need to use this chicken by Friday. The jar says to use the mustard by January of this year, but it will be fine if after that if you keep it in the fridge.
2. To make use of something before some specific later date. You've got to use these coupons by Friday or the store won't accept them. These credits will not roll over if you fail to use them by the end of the year.
See also: by, use
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

use something by something

to consume or complete the use of something by a specified time. Please use this jar of mayonnaise by the last day of the month. Use this one by next week.
See also: by, use
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • use (something) before (some date)
  • use (something) by (some date)
  • use before
  • take with
  • take with (one or something)
  • have hollow legs
  • have a hollow leg
  • to have a hollow leg
  • on the shelf
  • bolt
References in periodicals archive
The new tax is imposed not only on the sale or use by a manufacturer, producer, or importer of any ODC, but also on any product imported into the United States in which an ODC was used as a material in its manufacture or production.
Understanding the excise tax on ozone-depleting chemicals
Novalene, an EPDM rubber, is suitable for use by molders and compounders of polypropylene and polyethylene and comes in a convenient dry-blending form.
Impact modifiers: product lines reviewed
Novalene is suitable for use by molders and compounders of polypropylene and polyethylene and comes in a convenient dry-blending form.
Impact modifiers: product lines reviewed