slip

Ⅰ.

slip [1] ► VERB (slipped, slipping) 1) lose one's balance or footing and slide unintentionally for a short distance. 2) accidentally slide or move out of position or from someone's grasp. 3) fail to grip or make proper contact with a surface. 4) pass gradually to a worse condition. 5) (usu. slip up) make a careless error. 6) move or place quietly, quickly, or stealthily. 7) escape or get loose from. 8) fail to be remembered by. 9) release (the clutch of a motor vehicle) slightly or for a moment. 10) Knitting move (a stitch) to the other needle without knitting it.

► NOUN 1) an act or instance of slipping. 2) a minor or careless mistake. 3) a loose-fitting garment, especially a short petticoat. 4) Cricket a fielding position close behind the batsman on the off side. 5) (usu. slips) a leash that enables a dog to be released quickly.

● give someone the slip — Cf. ↑give someone the slip

● let slip — Cf. ↑let slip

● slip of the pen (or the tongue) — Cf. ↑slip of the tongue

● there's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip — Cf. ↑there's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip

DERIVATIVES slippage noun.

ORIGIN probably from Low German slippen.

Ⅱ.

slip [2] ► NOUN 1) a small piece of paper for writing on or that gives printed information. 2) a cutting taken from a plant for grafting or planting.

● a slip of a boy/girl/thing — Cf. ↑a slip of a thing

ORIGIN probably from Dutch or Low German slippe 'cut, strip' .

Ⅲ.

slip [3] ► NOUN ▪ a creamy mixture of clay, water, and typically a pigment, used for decorating earthenware.

ORIGIN of obscure origin.