let (something) slip

let (something) slip

To accidentally or inadvertently reveal some secret or important piece of information. I can't believe your sister let news of our engagement slip in front of your parents! The agent, under the influence of a powerful truth serum, let slip the names of other operatives working covertly in the area.See also: let, slip

let it slip

To accidentally or inadvertently reveal a given secret or important piece of information. We had done so well keeping our engagement a secret. I can't believe I let it slip in the middle of dinner last night!See also: let, slip

let something slip (out)

Fig. to reveal a secret carelessly or by accident. I didn't let it slip out on purpose. It was an accident. John let the plans slip when he was talking to Bill.See also: let, slip

let slip

1. Also, let slip or slide by ; let slide. Miss an opportunity; waste time. For example, We forgot to buy a ticket and let our big chance slip by, or He let the whole day slide by. The first term dates from the mid-1500s, the variant from the late 1500s. 2. Also, let slip out. Reveal something, usually inadvertently, as in He let it slip out that he had applied for the vacant position. [Mid-1800s] 3. let slip through one's fingers. Fail to seize an opportunity, as in We could have won the trophy but we let it slip through our fingers. [First half of 1600s] See also: let, slip

let something slip

1 reveal something inadvertently in the course of a conversation. 2 fail to take advantage of an opportunity.See also: let, slip, something

let ˈslip something

give somebody information that is supposed to be secret: She tried not to let slip what she knew. ♢ I happened to let it slip that he had given me $2 000 for the car.See also: let, slip, something

let slip

To say inadvertently.See also: let, slip