The phrase "slip out" has a simple spelling, but the pronunciation can be tricky. It is written with the letters "s-l-i-p" and "o-u-t." Phonetically, it is represented as /slɪp - aʊt/. The "s" is pronounced as "s" in "sit", the "l" is pronounced as "l" in "lemon", the "i" is pronounced as "ɪ" in "hit", the "p" is pronounced as "p" in "pen", the "o" is pronounced as "aʊ" in "out", and the "t" is pronounced as "t" in "top".
Slip out is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of leaving or escaping from a place or situation in a discreet or unnoticed manner. It describes a subtle and often sudden departure, typically without drawing attention or being detected.
This expression is commonly used when someone departs quietly, sneakily, or momentarily breaks away from a group or a specific location. It often implies a desire to avoid being noticed, confronted, or questioned by others. The context in which "slip out" is used can vary, encompassing both physical exits from a physical space or evading a conversation, commitment, or responsibility.
The phrasal verb is frequently utilized to depict situations where individuals want to evade someone's notice, evade responsibilities, or leave without causing a disturbance. It can occur in various contexts, such as slipping out of a meeting, a party, a lecture, or a social gathering.
For instance, one may say, "She slipped out of the office unnoticed during her lunch break" or "He did not want to attend the event, so he slipped out while everyone was engrossed in conversation."
Overall, "slip out" refers to the discreet departure or evasion from a place or situation without attracting attention or causing disruption.
The etymology of the phrase "slip out" can be traced back to the Old English language.
The word "slip" derives from the Proto-Germanic word "slipan" which meant "to glide, slide". This word was further incorporated into Middle English as "slippen", maintaining the same meaning.
The word "out" comes from the Old English word "ūt", which also meant "out, away, outside".
When these two words were combined, "slip" and "out", they formed the phrase "slip out", which essentially means to "sneak away, escape, exit quietly, or depart discreetly".