- Meaning
- This idiom means to escape, evade, or elude someone or something, often through cunning or quick action, avoiding capture or detection. It suggests slipping away from pursuit, like a fugitive or prey, and is used in contexts of physical escape, social avoidance, or strategic dodging. The phrase carries a sly, triumphant tone, reflecting cultural admiration for cleverness and agility, but can also imply deception or irresponsibility, depending on the context. It underscores the thrill of outwitting an opponent or obstacle.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originated in 16th-century England, tied to nautical or hunting contexts where ‘slip’ meant escaping a net or leash. An early use appears in William Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet* (1597): ‘I’ll give him the slip.’ The idiom gained traction in the 17th century, reflecting a culture of rogues and adventurers, as seen in Daniel Defoe’s *Moll Flanders* (1722). Its use grew in 19th-century American English, particularly in frontier and crime narratives, with Mark Twain’s *Huckleberry Finn* (1884) using it. The phrase’s dynamic imagery and relevance to evasion ensured its spread, especially in detective fiction and film noir.
- Variants
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- Give the slip
- Give someone the slip
- Slip away
- Give the slip to
- Examples
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- He gave the police the slip, disappearing into the crowded market.
- She gave her annoying coworker the slip, sneaking out of the office early.
- Slip away quietly, or the reporters will corner you for questions.
- Give the slip to your tail—we can’t let them follow us to the meeting.
- They gave the slip to the paparazzi, ducking into a side alley.
- He gave his responsibilities the slip, leaving town without telling anyone.
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