〜ないで済む
Formation
Meaning
Used to express that an action was expected to be done or a situation was expected to occur, but one ended up not needing to do it or the situation was avoided. It often carries a sense of relief.
Note
Indicates that one was able to avoid an undesirable or burdensome task/situation. It often implies a sense of relief or good fortune. The 'zu-ni sumu' variant is more formal and stiff (literary) than 'nai-de sumu' or 'nakute sumu'. This pattern combines the negative form of a verb with the verb 'sumu' (to finish/to be resolved).
Examples
手術しないで済んだので、本当に安心した。
I was really relieved that I managed without having to undergo surgery.
タクシーに乗らなくて済むように、早めに家を出た。
I left the house early so that I wouldn't need to take a taxi.
雨が降らなかったので、傘を差さずに済んだ。
Since it didn't rain, I got by without having to use an umbrella.
わざわざ遠くまで行かなくて済むのは助かる。
It's helpful to get by without having to go all the way to a distant place.
これ以上、悲しい思いをせずに済むように願っている。
I hope that I can go on without having to feel such sadness anymore.
新しいパソコンを買わずに済んだので、助かった。
It was a help that I managed without having to buy a new computer.