ENGLISH
REFERENCE

slip of the pen

idiom
Meaning

A mistake in handwriting; (loosely) any minor error by the writer that made it into print, having not been caught by editors or proofreaders.


Examples
SIMPLE

I wrote the wrong date because of a slip of the pen.

CONTEXTUAL

The author apologized for the typo in the first chapter, calling it a minor slip of the pen.

COMPLEX

Although the manuscript underwent rigorous editing, a small slip of the pen regarding the protagonist's age remained in the final published edition.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    give someone the slip

    To evade, escape, or get away from somebody.

  2. 02

    let slip

    To divulge a secret, as by accident or mistake.

  3. 03

    let something slip

    To accidentally reveal a secret.

  4. 04

    pen picture

    A written description, often biographical.

  5. 05

    pink slip

    A notice of termination of employment.

  6. 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.

  7. 07

    put pen to paper

    To write something (especially using pen and ink).

  8. 08

    slip back to old ways

    to return to past bad habits

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