go-by

[goh-bahy]

noun

Informal.

1. a going by without notice; an intentional passing by; snub.

   to give one the go-by.

go by

¹

verb

1. to pass

   the cars went by

   as the years go by we all get older

   don't let those opportunities go by!

2. (preposition) to be guided by

   in the darkness we could only go by the stars

3. (preposition) to use as a basis for forming an opinion or judgment

   it's wise not to go only by appearances

go-by

²

noun

1. slang,  a deliberate snub or slight (esp in the phrase give ( a person ) the go-by )

Word History and Origins

Origin of go by¹

First recorded in 1605–15; noun use of verb phrase go by

Idioms and Phrases

Elapse, pass, as in the popular song, “As Time Goes By” (by Herman Hupfeld, 1931), or He just went by our house . [c. 1600]

Ignore, fail to notice or take advantage of, as in You shouldn't let this opportunity go by . [Early 1500s] For the related go by the board , see by the board .

Rely on, believe, as in I'm going by the numbers on this list , or We'll have to go by what she tells us .

go by the name of . Be known by or use a specific name. For example, She continued to go by her maiden name, Mary Smith . [Late 1500s]