slipped
v.-
1 to slide accidentally (v.) A2 Elementaryto slide by accident on a wet or smooth surface.
to lose one's footing or balance by sliding on a smooth, wet, or unstable surface.
ExampleHe slipped on the icy pavement and nearly fell over.
ExampleThe hiker slipped on the loose gravel near the cliff edge, but fortunately, his companion caught his arm before he lost his balance entirely.
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2 to move quietly (v.) B1 Intermediateto move somewhere quietly or quickly so people do not notice you.
to move stealthily, quietly, or quickly to avoid detection or to leave a situation without ceremony.
ExampleShe slipped out of the back door while the party was still loud.
ExampleDuring the intermission, several guests slipped away from the theatre, having found the first act of the play entirely unconvincing.
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3 to put something somewhere quickly (v.) B1 Intermediateto put something into a small space or someone's hand quickly and quietly.
to place or insert an object into a specific location with a smooth, quick, or surreptitious motion.
ExampleHe slipped a twenty-dollar note into his pocket.
ExampleThe informant slipped the encrypted drive into the agent's coat pocket as they passed each other in the crowded station.
- tucked
- inserted
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4 to decline or worsen (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto get worse or fall to a lower level.
to decline in quality, value, or standard; often used for statistical or performance drops.
ExampleThe company's profits slipped slightly during the last three months.
ExampleAlthough the athlete remained competitive, her world ranking slipped after she was forced to withdraw from two major tournaments due to injury.
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5 to forget or be forgotten (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto be forgotten by someone, especially a name or a date.
to escape one's memory or attention; typically used with 'mind' or 'memory' as the subject or object.
ExampleI meant to call you yesterday, but the date just slipped my mind.
ExampleThe specific details of the contract had slipped his memory, necessitating a thorough review of the original documents before the following morning.