give the slip
Meaning
To escape from someone who is chasing, watching, or trying to catch you; to elude pursuit.
Origin
Recorded from the 1700s. "Slip" has long meant a quick escape or act of slipping away; the phrase uses "give" to mean "cause someone to experience" (i.e., you make them lose you).
Notes
Used for evading pursuit or being tailed. Slightly informal; often with a person/authority as the object (police, guards, reporters).
Examples
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The suspect gave the police the slip by ducking into a crowded subway station.
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I thought I was being followed, but I gave him the slip in the market.
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She managed to give the slip to her little brother and enjoy a quiet hour at the café.
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The rabbit gave the slip to the dog by darting under the fence.
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We tried to keep up with the tour group, but they gave us the slip in the museum.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually transitive: "give + someone + the slip" (gave, given). Can also be "give them the slip". Less often in passive. Article is fixed: "the slip".
Synonyms
- elude
- evade
- shake (someone) off
- ditch (someone)
- lose (someone)
- give (someone) the slip
Antonyms
- get caught
- be captured
- be apprehended
- be cornered