slope off

C1 informal intransitive

In simple words

To quietly leave somewhere when you should be staying, usually because you don't want to do something

Literal meaning: To move off on a slope — i.e., at an angle, not directly

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

uncommon

To leave a place furtively, especially to avoid obligations or responsibilities

"Half the team sloped off early before the chairs had even been stacked away."

Usage notes

Chiefly British English. Has a mildly humorous or disapproving tone. Often implies that the person leaving knows they probably shouldn't be going.

early quietly unnoticed pub work meeting

Base

slope off

I/you/we/they

3rd person

slopes off

he/she/it

Past simple

sloped off

yesterday

Past participle

sloped off

have + pp

-ing form

sloping off

continuous

Try:

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sneak off slip away slink off duck out make oneself scarce skive off

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