slip

There are a few different meanings for the word "slip." This first group of sentences shows that "slip" is similar to "put into" or "go into" when the action is discreet (secret).

• The owner of the Mercedes slipped the valet ten dollars.
• Someone slipped an envelope under the door.
• Let’s slip into this club for a few drinks.

Notice the difference in pronunciation between the words "slip" and "sleep."

• Maria always tries to slip into class half an hour late.
• Sometimes she sleeps during class.

You can also use "slip" when a person is just about to fall or actually falls.

• Try not to slip on the ice.
• She slipped and fell while walking through the park.
• It feels like my car is slipping on this snow. (The word "slip" is often used for cars that lose traction on pavement.)

 He slipped and fell on the ice.

When you lose your grip (hold) on something, when a secret is revealed, or when you leave a place quietly, you can say something like this:

• The glass slipped out of her hands and fell to the floor.
• Tony slipped out of the meeting fifteen minutes early.
• Secret information slipped out and exposed all of the people who were involved in the plot.

If the word "slip" is used as a noun, it’s a piece of paper or something that a woman wears under a dress.

• Inside the package was a slip of paper showing the combination numbers for the lock.
• Mathilda should wear a slip under her dress because the dress is so thin you can see her underwear.
• Todd received a pink slip at work today. (pink slip = notification of a lay off or termination of employment. Sometimes "pink slip" is used figuratively.)

This page was first published on December 7, 2011.

It was amended on December 22, 2014.