SLIPS | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Middle English (in the sense ‘move quickly and softly’): probably from Middle Low German slippen (verb); compare with slippery

lose one's footing and slide unintentionally for a short distance

lose one's footing and slide unintentionally for short distance

• I slipped over on the ice
• he kept slipping in the mud

go or move quietly or quickly, without attracting notice

go or move quietly or quickly

• we slipped out by a back door
• I slipped out of bed and into my clothes

pass or change to a lower, worse, or different condition, typically in a gradual or imperceptible way

pass or change to lower, worse, or different condition

• many people feel standards have slipped
• the bank's shares slipped 1.5p to 227p

escape or get loose from (a means of restraint)

escape or get loose from

• the giant balloon slipped its moorings

an act of sliding unintentionally for a short distance

act of sliding unintentionally for short distance

• a single slip could send them plummeting down the mountainside

a fall to a lower level or standard

fall to lower level or standard

• a continued slip in house prices

a loose-fitting garment, typically a short petticoat

loose-fitting garment

• a silk slip
• a slip dress

a fielding position (often one of two or more in an arc) close behind the batter on the off side, for catching balls edged by the batter

fielding position close behind batter on off side

• he was caught in the slips for 32
• King is at first slip

• he brought his steamer to the yard for overhaul at his old employer's slip

a leash which enables a dog to be released quickly

leash which enables dog to be released quickly

• Tommy bolted off like a greyhound released from the slips

• one colour at a time should be knitted in striped slip