let slip

USAGE SUMMARY

"let slip" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase is often used to indicate that something that was meant to be kept secret or private has been revealed inadvertently or accidentally. For example, "The CEO let slip some information about the new product at the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He let slip some very un-Miller like comments.

The New York Times - Sports

He let slip a sliver of a smile.

The New York Times - Sports

What else, I wondered, had I let slip?

The New Yorker

let slip the leash, and it becomes something monstrous".

The New York Times

He did let slip one specific detail, though.

The New York Times

Old-timers let slip a "Miamah" instead of Miami.

The New York Times

Cry havoc and let slip the Orcs of war!

The Guardian - Opinion

Later still, he let slip a further significant detail.

The Guardian - Arts

One we let slip into a bus-sconductor's dime machine.

The New Yorker

Cry "Havoc!" and let slip the pizza rats of war!

The New Yorker

"That's something elementary that I let slip by.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let slip", ensure the context implies a previously guarded secret. This enhances the impact of the revelation.

Common error

Avoid using "let slip" when the revelation was deliberate or planned. This phrase specifically denotes an accidental or inadvertent disclosure, not a calculated one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let slip" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the act of unintentionally revealing information, often a secret or something meant to be kept private. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let slip" is a widely used idiomatic verb phrase that signifies the unintentional revelation of information. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is correct and common. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for general conversation but less ideal for overly formal or technical settings. When writing, ensure the context accurately reflects an accidental disclosure, avoiding its use for deliberate revelations. Alternatives include "divulge unintentionally" and "reveal inadvertently" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divulge unintentionally

Focuses on the unintentional nature of the revelation, similar to "let slip".

reveal inadvertently

Emphasizes the accidental aspect of the disclosure.

disclose unintentionally

Highlights that the disclosure was not intended.

accidentally disclose

Highlights the unplanned nature of revealing information.

unintentionally reveal

Mirrors the meaning of "let slip" by stressing the lack of intent.

give away accidentally

Suggests a giveaway of information, similar to "let slip".

blurt out

Implies a sudden and often inappropriate revelation.

let out of the bag

An idiomatic alternative emphasizing the unveiling of a secret.

leak out

Suggests a gradual and often uncontrolled release of information.

come out

Indicates the emergence of information, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

How to use "let slip" in a sentence?

Use "let slip" to describe the unintentional revelation of secret information. For example, "He accidentally "let slip" their wedding date during the conversation."

What can I say instead of "let slip"?

You can use alternatives like "divulge unintentionally", "reveal inadvertently", or "accidentally disclose" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "letted slip" instead of "let slip"?

No, "letted slip" is grammatically incorrect. The past participle of "let" is "let", so the correct form is ""let slip"".

What's the difference between "let slip" and "reveal"?

"Let slip" implies an accidental or unintentional disclosure, while "reveal" can refer to both intentional and unintentional disclosures. "Reveal" is more general.