The phrase "slips away" consists of two words that are spelled phonetically. "Slips" is spelled as /slɪps/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the "s" is pronounced as a voiceless consonant and the "i" is pronounced with a short vowel sound. "Away" is spelled as /əˈweɪ/, where the two "a" sounds are pronounced as short vowels and the "w" is pronounced as a voiced consonant. This phrase is often used to describe things that slowly and quietly disappear or disappear without notice.
Slips away is a phrasal verb that encompasses several meanings and conveys the idea of something or someone gradually and quietly departing, disappearing, or escaping from a certain situation or place. It signifies the gradual transition from being present to being absent or unattainable.
The term slips away can be used in various contexts. For instance, it is frequently employed when referring to the passage of time, indicating the swift and unnoticeable passing of moments or opportunities. It implies that time seems to effortlessly elude one's grasp, slipping away without one being fully aware.
Moreover, slips away can describe the act of someone departing quietly and discreetly from a location. It suggests a subtle exit, often associated with evasion or escaping unnoticed, as if the person fades into the background without drawing attention to themselves.
In a metaphorical sense, slips away can also describe the gradual loss of an opportunity, relationship, or advantage. It implies an unintentional or gradual diminishment or vanishing, typically due to neglect, inattention, or a lack of effort.
Overall, slips away conveys the idea of something or someone quietly and gradually fading out of sight, either in terms of time, physical presence, or opportunities. It captures the sense of a delicate departure, slipping away like a whisper, often leaving behind a sense of longing or regret.
The word "slips away" is a combination of two separate words, each with its own etymology:
1. "Slips": The word "slips" comes from Middle English "slypen" which means "to slip or slide". It can be traced back to Old English "slīpan" and Proto-Germanic "slīpaną", both indicating the action of sliding or gliding smoothly.
2. "Away": The word "away" has its roots in Old English as well. In Old English, it was spelled as "onweg" which evolved from the earlier form "onweġ". "Onweġ" is a combination of "on" (meaning "in") and "weġ" (meaning "way" or "path"). Over time, "onweg" transformed to the modern form "away", indicating a movement or distance from a particular place.