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Phrase Meanings » go by
What does "go by" mean?
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Elapse, pass, as in the popular song, “As Time Goes By” (by Herman Hupfeld, 1931), or He just went by our house. [c. 1600]
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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.
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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.
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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]
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