slip of the pen
A mistake in handwriting; (loosely) any minor error by the writer that made it into print, having not been caught by editors or proofreaders.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I wrote the wrong date because of a slip of the pen.”
“The author apologized for the typo in the first chapter, calling it a minor slip of the pen.”
“Although the manuscript underwent rigorous editing, a small slip of the pen regarding the protagonist's age remained in the final published edition.”
- 01
give someone the slip
To evade, escape, or get away from somebody.
- 02
let slip
To divulge a secret, as by accident or mistake.
- 03
let something slip
To accidentally reveal a secret.
- 04
pen picture
A written description, often biographical.
- 05
pink slip
A notice of termination of employment.
- 06
poison pen
A manner, means, or tone of expression had by a written work, characterized by spitefulness, defamation, and/or intimidation directed toward a person, organization, or point of view.
- 07
put pen to paper
To write something (especially using pen and ink).
- 08
slip back to old ways
to return to past bad habits
Last updated August 10, 2026