ENGLISH
REFERENCE

23 skidoo

idiom
Meaning

To leave, particularly quickly or at an advantageous time.


Origin

From twenty-three (“get lost; get out; leave”) + skidoo (“to depart, especially quickly”). Exact origin unknown; many theories exist, though none have been universally accepted. See the Wikipedia article for more information.

Examples
SIMPLE

The party is getting boring, so let's 23 skidoo.

CONTEXTUAL

When the police arrived at the illegal gathering, everyone decided it was time to 23 skidoo.

COMPLEX

Sensing that the situation was rapidly deteriorating, the clever spy chose to 23 skidoo before the guards could block the exit.

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Last updated April 17, 2026