slip behind
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle behind
Meanings
Lose ground gradually compared to others
Why “behind”? One person or thing follows behind another on the same path.
“Sales slipped behind the competition.”
“Their app slipped behind newer rivals.”
Don't confuse with
Slip behind means lose ground gradually compared to others. Slip by means pass quietly without being noticed.
Test yourself
“Sales slipped behind the competition.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
slip by
A contrast learners often mix up
Pass quietly without being noticed; Of time, pass quietly without being noticed
be behind
Same behind pattern: late
Be late with work or a schedule; Be the hidden cause or organiser of something; Support a person, plan, or cause
drop behind
Same behind pattern: late
Lose your position relative to a group moving ahead
fall behind
Same behind pattern: late
Fail to keep pace or make progress as quickly as others; Of a payment, become late or owed
get behind
Same behind pattern: late
Become late with work, payments, or schedule; Support a person, idea, or cause
lag behind
Same behind pattern: late
Move or progress more slowly than others
leave behind
Same behind pattern: late
Forget or fail to take something with you when you go; Surpass someone in development or achievement; Depart from someone, ending a relationship or association
run behind
Same behind pattern: late
Be later than scheduled
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