Language Research

slip · verb

/slɪp/Full view

Word family

Nouns: slip, slipper

Adjectives: slippery

Verbs: slip

slip (SLIDE)

B1 I to slide by accident and fall or almost fall

Dictionary examples:

She slipped on the ice.

Careful you don't slip - there's water on the floor.

The razor slipped while he was shaving and he cut himself.

Learner example:

But then I slipped and fel[l] down. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

slip sth into/through, etc.

C2 to put something somewhere quickly or secretly

Dictionary example:

She slipped the letter into an envelope and sealed it.

slip out/through, etc.

C2 to go somewhere quietly or quickly

Dictionary example:

I'll slip out of the room if I get bored.

Learner example:

My mission was to slip out of the ballroom and take pictures of the papers about the plans of Britain regarding the war. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

slip (OUT OF POSITION)

C2 I to slide out of the correct position

Dictionary example:

The photo had slipped from the frame.

Learner example:

She said, "I got a letter from the hotel today. The diary was in it. It had slipped between the beds." (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

slip your mind

C2 If something slips your mind, you forget about it.

Dictionary example:

I meant to tell her Nigel had phoned, but it completely slipped my mind.

Learner example:

There was something but it slipped my mind before I reached it. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

slip away (DISAPPEAR)

C2 If someone's power or the possibility of them winning or achieving something slips away, it disappears.

Dictionary example:

Down to ten men, the team was determined not to let victory slip away.

Learner example:

I immediately saw my dream slip away. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

slip away (LEAVE)

C2 to leave secretly

Dictionary example:

He slipped away from the party as soon as he could.

Learner example:

However, my mother sometimes behaved like a hen looking out for her little ones for fear one of us could slip away. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

slip away (DIE)

C2 If someone slips away, they die.

Dictionary example:

Despite their care, he slipped away in the night.

Learner example:

This can sometimes ease the burden of watching someone you love slip away. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

slip away (TIME)

C2 If a period of time slips away, it seems to pass quickly.

Dictionary example:

As the months slipped away, I began to forget what he looked like.

Learner example:

They are pressed to make money and their major concern seems to be the time that always slips away. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

slip out (SAY SOMETHING)

C2 If a remark slips out, you say it without intending to.

Dictionary example:

I didn't mean to tell anyone you were getting married - it just slipped out.

Learner example:

I could not understand how these words had slipped out of my mouth. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

slip up

C2 to make a mistake

Dictionary example:

These figures don't make sense - have we slipped up somewhere?