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View synonyms for go-by

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

noun

  1. slang.
    a deliberate snub or slight (esp in the phrase give ( a person ) the go-by )
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


go by

2

verb

  1. to pass

    don't let those opportunities go by!

    as the years go by we all get older

    the cars went 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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of go-by1

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

Now this was the first time that I had supposed dead deer come to life and give me the go-by, though it was not the last time.

"He's one of your old fellers as you've give the go-by to, I kind of suspicion, Sis," replied the young man with a laugh.

We had already given one or two the go-by, when we heard a clattering of hoofs close behind us, and the well-known cry, "G'lang."

They beckoned very urgently for us to come ashore, but I acted as if I did not understand them, and gave them the go-by.

To avert this catastrophe, Winnie determined to give the go-by to coy modesty.

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