# skip out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skip-out
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to leave a place or a situation quickly, often to avoid doing work or paying for something. You use this when someone leaves secretly or without telling anyone first.

For teachers: to depart a location or obligation abruptly, typically to evade a responsibility, a debt, or a social commitment. The register is informal and often carries a negative connotation of avoidance or lack of reliability.

## Examples

- He decided to skip out on the meeting to go to the beach.
- The guests tried to skip out on the bill, but the waiter caught them before they reached the exit.
- Several board members chose to skip out early, leaving the remaining directors to debate the controversial merger without a full quorum.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He skipped out the bill." but "He skipped out on the bill." — When 'skip out' is used with a direct object representing the obligation, the preposition 'on' is required.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'on' followed by the activity or obligation being avoided.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'leave' (neutral) and 'sneak out' (emphasizes secrecy); 'skip out' specifically emphasizes the avoidance of a duty or cost.

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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.