nip

Everyday

1. To give a small, quick bite or pinch: «The puppy nipped my finger». tree →
2. (UK, Ireland, Australia, informal) To go somewhere quickly for a short time: «I'll nip to the shop». tree →
3. (noun) A small bite or pinch. tree →
4. (noun) A feeling of cold: «a nip in the air». tree →
5. A small amount of a strong drink. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday British talk «nip out», «nip to the shops», «nip upstairs» mean to go quickly. In pet safety: puppies nip when playing; teach them gently. In weather: «There's a nip in the air» means it is getting cold, often in autumn. Phrase: «nip it in the bud» = stop a problem early. «Nip and tuck» = very close in a race.

Examples

• The crab nipped my toe! tree →
• Our puppy nips when he gets excited. tree →
• I'll just nip to the shop for some milk. tree →
• There's a nip in the air this morning. tree →
• Can you nip upstairs and get my glasses? tree →
• The teacher nipped the argument in the bud. tree →
• The race was nip and tuck right to the end. tree →

Note

Double «p» before -ed/-ing: nipped, nipping. «Nip» is smaller and lighter than «bite». «Nip out» meaning «go quickly» is British and Australian; Americans say «run out» or «pop out».