1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To pass through a system or set of controls without being caught or detected
"Several counterfeit bills slipped through the bank's screening process."
inseparable
slip through
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To pass through a barrier, system, or set of controls without being caught or stopped
In plain English
To get through something — like a rule or check — without being caught
What does "slip through" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To move through a narrow gap or space
"The cat slipped through the gap in the fence."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To be overlooked or missed, especially in the phrase 'slip through the net/cracks'
"Children with mild learning disabilities often slip through the cracks in the education system."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To slide through a gap or opening
Actually means
To get through something — like a rule or check — without being caught
Usage tip
Frequently appears in the fixed phrase 'slip through the net' or 'slip through the cracks' (American English). Used in journalism, politics, and law.
Words that pair with "slip through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
net cracks fingers defenses loophole system
How to conjugate "slip through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slip through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slips through
he/she/it
Past simple
sliped through
yesterday
Past participle
sliped through
have + pp
-ing form
sliping through
continuous
Hear "slip through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "slip through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "slip through"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
avoid bypass escape evade detection fall through the cracks go unnoticed
Keep exploring
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