1 B2 neutral
To move past a person, barrier, or obstacle without being stopped or detected
"The thief managed to slip past the security guard while he was looking the other way."
inseparable
slip past
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To move past someone or something without being noticed or stopped
In plain English
To go past a person or a guard without them seeing or stopping you
What does "slip past" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
For time to pass by quickly or without one noticing
"I can't believe it — the whole morning has slipped past and I haven't done a thing."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To slide past someone or something
Actually means
To go past a person or a guard without them seeing or stopping you
Usage tip
Often used in security, sports, and everyday contexts. Can be used literally (slipping past a guard) or figuratively (a bill slipping past scrutiny).
Words that pair with "slip past"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
guard security defender checkpoint censors notice
How to conjugate "slip past"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slip past
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slips past
he/she/it
Past simple
sliped past
yesterday
Past participle
sliped past
have + pp
-ing form
sliping past
continuous
Hear "slip past" in the wild
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Other ways to say "slip past"
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