1 B2 idiomatic informal
To give something to someone secretly or without others noticing
"She slipped the answer sheet to her friend just before the teacher turned around."
separable
slip it to
B2 informal separable transitive
To give something to someone secretly or discreetly
In plain English
To give something to someone without other people seeing or knowing
What does "slip it to" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To pass money, a bribe, or a tip to someone quietly
"He slipped a twenty to the doorman and was waved straight in."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To slide an object to someone
Actually means
To give something to someone without other people seeing or knowing
Usage tip
The pronoun 'it' is fixed in this expression, making it a semi-fixed idiom. Used in contexts ranging from passing a note in class to bribing someone. Can also have a vulgar/sexual slang meaning in some contexts; care needed.
Words that pair with "slip it to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
note money envelope message document tip
How to conjugate "slip it to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slip it to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slips it to
he/she/it
Past simple
sliped it to
yesterday
Past participle
sliped it to
have + pp
-ing form
sliping it to
continuous
Hear "slip it to" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "slip it to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "slip it to"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
hand over discreetly palm off to pass secretly slide over sneak to
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