slip
- 01 A2 Elementary
v.to slide suddenly and lose your balance, usually on a wet or smooth surface.
v.to lose traction on a surface, resulting in an involuntary sliding movement.
Simple“Be careful not to slip on the icy pavement outside the shop.”
In context“The hiker slipped on the loose scree, narrowly avoiding a dangerous fall into the ravine below.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to move somewhere quickly and quietly so that people do not notice you.
v.to move or pass with a smooth, quiet, or secretive motion to avoid detection.
Simple“She tried to slip out of the room before the meeting ended.”
In context“He managed to slip through the crowd unnoticed, disappearing into the narrow alleyways of the old city.”
UsageOften used with prepositions like 'into', 'out of', or 'away'.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to give something to someone quickly and secretly.
v.to pass an object to another person in a discreet or covert manner.
Simple“The witness slipped a note to the lawyer during the trial.”
In context“The informant slipped the microfilm into the agent's pocket while they stood together at the crowded bar.”
UsageTakes a direct object and an indirect object.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to fall to a lower level or become worse.
v.to decline in quality, value, or standard; to move into a worse state.
Simple“The company's profits began to slip after the new competitor arrived.”
In context“Standards of service at the hotel have slipped significantly since the change in management last year.”
Synonyms - 05 B1 Intermediate
n.a small mistake, especially one caused by not paying attention.
n.a minor or accidental error, often resulting from a temporary lapse in concentration.
Simple“It was just a small slip, but it changed the meaning of the whole sentence.”
In context“The accountant's minor slip in the final calculations resulted in a discrepancy of several thousand pounds.”
Teacher's tipOften used in the phrase 'a slip of the tongue' for a speaking mistake.
- 06 B1 Intermediate
n.a small, thin piece of paper, often used for a specific purpose like a receipt.
n.a small strip or piece of paper, typically used for records, forms, or brief notes.
Simple“Please write your phone number on this slip of paper.”
In context“The librarian handed him a yellow slip indicating that his requested book had finally arrived.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a light piece of clothing worn under a dress or skirt.
n.a woman's undergarment intended to provide a smooth silhouette or prevent outer garments from clinging.
Simple“She wore a silk slip under her lace dress to make it hang better.”
In context“The vintage boutique specialised in silk slips and lace camisoles from the mid-twentieth century.”
Synonymspetticoatunderskirt - 08 C1 Advanced
n.a place where a boat is kept in a harbour.
n.a docking space or berth for a vessel between two piers or in a boathouse.
Simple“The yacht was safely moored in its slip before the storm arrived.”
In context“The marina manager assigned the visiting catamaran to a wider slip near the fuel dock.”
“I write each memory down on a slip of paper before placing it into the jar.”