The phrase "letting slip" is commonly used to describe accidentally revealing information that was meant to be kept secret. The pronunciation of this phrase can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as "ˈlɛtɪŋ slɪp." The stress falls on the first syllable of "letting" and the second syllable of "slip." The "t" sound in "letting" is aspirated, meaning there is a slight puff of air after it is pronounced. The "s" sound in "slip" is voiced, producing a soft hissing sound.
Letting slip is a colloquial expression that refers to unintentionally revealing or divulging confidential, secret, or sensitive information. It commonly describes a situation where someone, whether consciously or inadvertently, discloses information that was supposed to be kept hidden or private. This idiom can be used to describe an accidental disclosure of personal details, secrets, plans, or classified data.
The phrase "letting slip" suggests that the information was not intentionally shared, but rather, it escaped or was released inadvertently. It implies a lack of control or a momentary lapse in judgment that leads to the disclosure. The slip can occur through a slip of the tongue, a careless remark, a revealing gesture, or any action that lets the information become known.
This expression often carries a negative connotation, as it implies a breach of trust or a failure to maintain confidentiality. It can lead to various consequences, such as jeopardizing relationships, compromising security, or undermining trust in professional settings. Letting slip can also result in consequences such as legal repercussions, reputational damage, or loss of personal privacy.
Overall, letting slip is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the unintentional release of confidential or sensitive information, highlighting a momentary lapse in discretion or prudence.
The phrase "letting slip" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "let" and "slip".
1. Let: The word "let" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "lǽtan". It originated from the Proto-Germanic word "laitjaną", meaning "to allow" or "to leave". Over time, "let" evolved to take on various meanings, including "to permit", "to allow", or "to cause".
2. Slip: The term "slip" dates back to Middle English, where it was spelled as "slyppe". It has roots in the Old English word "slyppan", which means "to glide" or "to slide". The word "slip" emerged from the Proto-Germanic word "slipaną" and has retained its general sense of sliding or gliding.