Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pass or go by, especially time, in a smooth, quiet, or unnoticed manner: The phrase "slide by" describes the action of something, typically time or an event, passing or moving past without much attention, interruption, or difficulty.

Usage

• The verb phrase "slide by" is used to indicate the passage of time or events that happen smoothly and often without being fully noticed or causing disruption.
• It often carries a neutral or slightly passive connotation, suggesting the subject (like time) moves on its own without active intervention.
• Common subjects include: , , , , , .

Examples

• Verb:
  • The summer months just slide by when you're on vacation.
  • I was so busy that the deadline slid by without me realizing it.
  • He let the opportunity slide by and later regretted it.

Advanced Usage

• "to let something slide by": to allow something to pass without taking action or giving it proper attention.
  • You can't let your responsibilities slide by; you must address them.
• The phrase can sometimes imply a missed chance or a failure to act due to inattention.

Variants and Related Words

• Slide (verb): to move smoothly along a surface.
  • The puck slides across the ice.
• Elapse (verb): (of time) to pass or go by.
  • Several hours elapsed before they returned.
• Pass by (verb phrase): to go past.
  • The parade passed by our street.

Synonyms

• Pass by: to go past.
• Go by: to pass, especially time.
• Elapse: (of time) to pass.
• Slip by: to pass quickly or unnoticed.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Slide into: to enter a state or condition gradually or easily.
  • He slid into a bad habit.
• Slide over: to avoid dealing with an issue.
  • She slid over the difficult questions in the interview.

Related Idioms

• Let it slide: to choose not to take any action over a mistake or problem; to ignore it.
  • I know he was rude, but I decided to let it slide this time.
• Time flies: time passes very quickly.
  • "Time flies when you're having fun." (This idiom expresses a similar concept about the rapid passage of time but is more positive than the often neutral "slide by").

Verb

1. pass by
   • three years elapsed