# hop the wag

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hop-the-wag
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To play truant (be absent from school without permission).

## Examples

- He decided to hop the wag and go to the park instead.
- The teacher noticed two empty desks and realized the students had decided to hop the wag for the afternoon.
- Despite the strict attendance policy, the rebellious students frequently chose to hop the wag, preferring the freedom of the streets to the confinement of the classroom.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.