Definition

Verb: - To make a mistake or error, especially a minor or careless one. It implies a lapse in attention, memory, or judgment that leads to an unintended consequence.

Usage

The verb "slip up" is used to describe the act of making an error. It is an intransitive phrasal verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It is often used in informal contexts to talk about small mistakes or blunders. - It is commonly used in the simple past tense ("slipped up") to report a specific error. - It can be used in the present perfect tense ("has slipped up") to discuss a recent mistake relevant to the present.

Examples

• Verb:
  • I slipped up and sent the email to the wrong person.
  • The goalkeeper slipped up in the final minute, costing his team the game.
  • She rarely slips up in her calculations.
  • If you slip up on the details, the whole plan could fail.

Advanced Usage

• "to slip up and [verb]": This structure is frequently used to specify the nature of the mistake made.
  • He slipped up and forgot to lock the door.
  • The witness slipped up and contradicted his earlier statement.

Variants and Related Words

• Slip-up (noun): The mistake or error itself.
  • That typo in the report was an embarrassing slip-up.
• Slip (verb): Can have a similar meaning of making an error, often in the phrase "slip of the tongue" (saying something unintentionally) or "slip of the pen" (writing something incorrectly).

Synonyms

• Err: To make a mistake.
• Blunder: To make a clumsy or stupid mistake.
• Miscalculate: To make an error in judgment or planning.
• Goof (informal): To make a silly mistake.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Mess up: To make a mistake or spoil something. (More informal and often implies a more significant error than "slip up").
  • I completely messed up the presentation.
• Screw up (very informal): To make a serious error or failure.
  • He screwed up by missing the deadline.

Related Idioms

• Slip of the tongue: An error in speaking where you say a word you did not intend to say.
  • Calling the client by the wrong name was just a slip of the tongue.
• Slip through the cracks/net: To be missed or overlooked.
  • A few errors slipped through the cracks during the review.

Verb

1. make an error
   • She slipped up and revealed the name