Dad gets by with something to read (5)
I believe the answer is:
paper
'something to read' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'dad gets by' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pa' (both can mean one's father).
'gets' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'by' becomes 'per' (I've seen this in another clue).
'pa'+'per'='PAPER'
'with' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for paper that I've seen before include "It's made from wood pulp generally" , "Dissertation" , "Written essay" , "daily read?" , "Writing sheet(s)?" .)