slipping

Everyday

1. Slipping is sliding by accident and losing your balance, often on something wet or smooth. tree →
2. Slipping is moving quietly or quickly, like slipping out of a room. tree →
3. Slipping is putting something somewhere quickly and quietly, like slipping a note into a pocket. tree →
4. Slipping can mean getting worse, like marks or grades slipping. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons, slipping on wet floors, ice or spills is a common cause of falls; signs say «Caution: wet floor». In stories, characters «slip away» or «slip past» guards without being seen. Phrases: «slipping away», «slipping through your fingers», «slip up», «slip on».

Examples

• He was slipping on the icy path. tree →
• The rope kept slipping out of my hands. tree →
• She was slipping quietly out of the room. tree →
• I saw him slipping a note into her bag. tree →
• Wipe up spills so nobody slips. tree →
• My grades are slipping, so I need to practise more. tree →
• The soap kept slipping in the bath. tree →
• Time is slipping away; finish your test. tree →
• Slipping his net quickly beneath it he drew it out and lifted the silk coverlet. tree →

Note

The -ing form of «slip»: double the p (slip → slipping, slipped). «A slip» is also a noun: a mistake (a slip of the tongue) or a small piece of paper. Safety: wear shoes with grip on ice.