slip by
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle by
Meanings
Pass quietly without being noticed
Why “by”? Something moves near a point and continues past it.
“She slipped by the guard.”
“The cat slipped by the open door.”
Of time, pass quietly without being noticed
Why “by”? Time passes the same way. Moments stream past and are gone.
“Hours slipped by while I read.”
“The morning slipped by while we talked.”
Don't confuse with
Slip by means pass quietly without being noticed. Slip behind means lose ground gradually compared to others.
Slip by means pass quietly without being noticed. Slip through means pass through quietly or unnoticed.
Slip by means pass quietly without being noticed. Slip away means pass gradually.
Test yourself
“She slipped by the guard.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
slip away
A contrast learners often mix up
Leave quietly without being noticed; Pass gradually, especially time or opportunity
slip behind
A contrast learners often mix up
Lose ground gradually compared to others
slip through
A contrast learners often mix up
Pass through quietly or unnoticed
drive by
Same by pattern: passing
Move past a place in a vehicle
fly by
Same by pattern: passing
Travel past quickly through the air; Of time, pass extremely quickly
go by
Same by pattern: time passing
Of time, pass or elapse; Use a rule, name, or evidence as your guide; Use a particular name
pass by
Same by pattern: passing
Move past a point without stopping; Of an opportunity or time, go past without being used
roll by
Same by pattern: time passing
Of time, pass smoothly and continuously
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