give someone the slip: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "give someone the slip" originated in the 19th century and is widely used in both British and American English. It means to evade or elude someone or something, often without their knowledge or detection. The word "slip" in this idiom refers to escaping from a pursuer or avoiding being caught.

This idiom can be used in various contexts, both literal and figurative. In a literal sense, it describes physical scenarios where someone manages to evade a pursuer. For example, a criminal might give the police the slip during a chase. This implies a degree of surprise or unexpectedness in the act of escape.

Figuratively, "give someone the slip" can also be used to depict scenarios where someone avoids a difficult situation or evades unwanted attention. It can also describe situations where someone manages to shift blame or responsibility onto others, effectively escaping or evading the consequences.

The related idiom "give chase" is used to describe the act of pursuing or chasing after someone. It can be seen as the opposite of "give someone the slip." While "give someone the slip" implies successful evasion, "give chase" implies active pursuit. These two idioms are often used together, creating a narrative of pursuit and potential escape.

For example, imagine a scenario where a thief steals a valuable item and attempts to escape. The police "give chase" in an attempt to catch the thief. However, the thief uses cunning tactics to "give them the slip" and successfully escapes. In this context, the two idioms work together to tell a story of pursuit and evasion.

The idiom "slip under the radar" is another related phrase. It means to go unnoticed or undetected by someone or a group of people. This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone manages to avoid attention or scrutiny.

In the context of "give someone the slip," the phrase "slip under the radar" can be used to highlight the stealth or clever tactics employed to evade detection. Someone who successfully "gives someone the slip" may have slipped under the radar and escaped without being noticed or pursued.

Lastly, the idiom "let slip" is also related to "give someone the slip." "Let slip" means to accidentally reveal or disclose information that was intended to remain a secret. In the context of evasion or escape, "let slip" can be used to describe situations where someone unintentionally reveals information that could potentially lead to their capture or hinder their escape.

For example, imagine a scenario where a fugitive is hiding from the authorities. They manage to "give someone the slip" and remain undetected. However, they accidentally "let slip" their location to someone they thought they could trust. This unintentional disclosure jeopardizes their escape and puts them at risk of being caught.

The idiom "give someone the slip" means to evade or elude someone or something. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe physical escape, avoidance of a difficult situation, or the act of shifting blame. "Give chase," "slip under the radar," and "let slip" are related idioms that add depth and nuance to the narrative of pursuit, evasion, and the potential consequences of accidental disclosure.