Phrasal verb
slip off
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave a place quietly or secretly so that other people do not notice you.
phrasal verb. to depart a location or social gathering discreetly, often to avoid formal goodbyes or detection. The verb is intransitive in this sense.
Examples
“I'll slip off before the meeting ends.”
“The party was getting too loud, so we decided to slip off without saying goodbye to everyone.”
“During the height of the gala, the diplomat managed to slip off to a private study for an unscheduled briefing.”
Examples
simple
“I'll slip off before the meeting ends.”
contextual
“The party was getting too loud, so we decided to slip off without saying goodbye to everyone.”
complex
“During the height of the gala, the diplomat managed to slip off to a private study for an unscheduled briefing.”
Usage
Usually implies a desire for privacy or a wish to avoid a long departure process.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'sneak out', which implies doing something wrong; 'slip off' is often just about being discreet or avoiding a fuss.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
slip + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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