slip
Translation
to slide unintentionally, to move quietly, to give something discreetly, to make a mistake
Examples
Be careful not to slip on the ice.
Be careful not to slip on the ice.
She slipped a note into my hand.
She slipped a note into my hand.
The name has slipped my mind.
The name has slipped my mind.
Standards have slipped in recent years.
Standards have slipped in recent years.
Grammar Patterns
((on sth.)) to lose one's footing on sth. Be careful not to slip on the ice.
((sth.)) ((into/to sb./sth.)) to pass sth. to sb. discreetly. She slipped a note into my hand.
((one's mind)) to be forgotten by sb. The name has slipped my mind.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Middle English 'slippen', related to the idea of being slippery.
Memory Tips
Picture slipping on a banana peel. This core idea of an uncontrolled slide extends to mistakes ('slip-up') and quiet movements.