# take French leave

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-french-leave
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To leave quietly and unnoticed, without asking for permission or informing anyone; to slip out.

## Examples

- He took French leave from the boring meeting.
- She didn't want to say goodbye to everyone, so she took French leave from the party.
- Rather than endure another hour of tedious speeches, the ambassador took French leave and slipped out through the servants' entrance.

## Origin

From take + French leave, apparently from a French custom, already recorded in the 18th century, of leaving from receptions or other events without formally announcing one’s departure to the host or hostess. (disputed)

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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.