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]

Example Sentences

I says what else do you expect except every dam drummer and cheap show that comes to town because even these town jellybeans give her the go-by now.

From Literature

Competitors too cried hoarse saying Uber had been giving the go-by to background checks on the drivers it aggregated through its service.

From Forbes

I had a young man like that once, but I soon gave him the go-by.

From Project Gutenberg

You never wrote a single word, though I Sent prompt congratulations in a note, You gave my well-meant greetings the go-by— You never wrote.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no attempt to ignore difficulties or to give scientific objections the go-by.

From Project Gutenberg