Browse all

slip away

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

Leave quietly without being noticed, or (of time, life, or chances) gradually disappear.

Literal meaning: To slip (move smoothly without resistance) away — partially transparent.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To leave a place quietly and without being noticed.

"As the speeches dragged on, she slipped away from the reception without saying goodbye."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

Of time, opportunities, or feelings: to pass or disappear gradually.

"The years slipped away and suddenly the children were grown."

"The time is slipping away."

— Bob Dylan, 'The Times They Are A-Changin'', 1964 (paraphrase of recurring lyrical theme)
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To die peacefully and quietly (euphemistic).

"She slipped away in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by her family."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Versatile phrasal verb used both physically (a person leaving quietly) and figuratively (time slipping away, a chance slipping away, life slipping away as a euphemism for dying). The figurative senses are very common in literature and journalism. Also used as a euphemism for dying peacefully.

Commonly used with

time chance opportunity life quietly crowd

Forms

Base
slip away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slips away
he/she/it
Past simple
sliped away
yesterday
Past participle
sliped away
have + pp
-ing form
sliping away
continuous

Understand "slip away" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "slip away" on Looplines