The term 'JUST GET BY' can be broken down into four crossword solutions: EKE (3 letters), EXIST (5 letters), EDGEIN (6 letters), and EKEOUT (6 letters). EKE is a verb meaning to manage with difficulty, while EXIST is a verb meaning to have being or reality. EDGEIN is a verb meaning to move gradually closer to something, and EKEOUT is a verb meaning to manage to get something with difficulty. Together, these words suggest that the phrase 'JUST GET BY' means to manage with difficulty and gradually move closer to success.