slip through your fingers
Meaning
To lose something (a chance, time, control) because you fail to keep hold of it or act in time.
Origin
From the literal image of trying to hold something small (like sand or water) that escapes between your fingers; extended metaphorically to opportunities, time, or control being lost.
Notes
Often implies regret and a sense of helplessness: despite wanting it, you didn’t act or couldn’t maintain control, so the chance/time/result was lost.
Examples
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I had a great job offer, but I hesitated too long and it slipped through my fingers.
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We were close to signing the contract, yet the deal slipped through our fingers at the last minute.
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If you don’t practice regularly, the progress you made can slip through your fingers.
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She felt her chance to apologize slipping through her fingers as the train pulled away.
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Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers—apply today.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “X slipped through my/your/his fingers” or “let X slip through your fingers.” Tense changes normally (slipped/was slipping). Often takes abstract objects (chance, opportunity, time).
Synonyms
- miss out on
- lose your grip on
- let it get away
- let it slip away
Antonyms
- seize the opportunity
- take hold of
- capitalize on