go by

go by  {v.}

1. To go or move past; pass.

Bob had to go by the post office on his way to school, so he mailed the letter.

2. To follow; copy; obey.

Mother goes by a pattern when she makes a dress.

You will find Main Street without trouble if you go by Father's directions.

If you ride a bicycle, you must go by the rules of the road.

3. To be known by; be called.

Many actors do not go by their real names.

Fred goes by the nickname of Chubby.

4. To pass; be over; end.

Time goes by quickly on vacation.

The horse and buggy days have gone by.

The flowers have all gone by. What will I do for a bouquet?

5. To stop for a short visit; go to someone's house for a short while.

"Have you seen Bill lately?" "Yes, I went by his house last week."

Compare: STOP BY.