slipped through the cracks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'slipped through the cracks' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate a situation in which something or someone has been missed, overlooked, or ignored. For example: "That document slipped through the cracks and wasn't signed in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Something just slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

It slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

"The night just slipped through the cracks".

The New York Times

Things that had slipped through the cracks over the years.

The New York Times

This is something that slipped through the cracks".

The New York Times

And I suspect that this gentleman slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

These are obviously the students who slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

Comedy seems to have slipped through the cracks all around.

The New Yorker

"This court order slipped through the cracks," he said.

The New Yorker

"He slipped through the cracks because people gave him way more breaks than he deserved.

The New York Times

"It slipped through the cracks," one veteran law enforcement official said of the report.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slipped through the cracks" when you want to convey that something was missed due to a system failure, oversight, or lack of attention, not due to intentional neglect.

Common error

Avoid using "slipped through the cracks" when describing situations where someone deliberately ignored something. This phrase implies an accidental oversight, not a conscious decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipped through the cracks" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a verb phrase. It describes a situation where something was missed or overlooked, often due to a systemic failure or oversight. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, indicating a failure in a process or system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slipped through the cracks" is a very common idiom used to describe a situation where something is missed or overlooked due to a systemic failure or oversight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately, implying an unintentional oversight rather than intentional neglect. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "was overlooked" or "went unnoticed" for more formal contexts. Understanding its connotations and appropriate usage will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was missed

A simple and direct way of saying something was not caught or included.

was overlooked

Directly states that something was not noticed or given attention.

went unnoticed

Similar to "was overlooked" but focuses on the lack of observation.

was neglected

Highlights the lack of care or attention given to something.

fell by the wayside

Emphasizes the idea of something gradually being forgotten or abandoned.

was disregarded

Suggests something was intentionally ignored or dismissed.

escaped attention

Suggests something actively avoided being noticed.

was forgotten

Indicates a complete lack of remembrance or consideration.

failed to register

Emphasizes the lack of impact or importance something had.

dropped the ball

An idiomatic expression implying a failure to fulfill a responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "slipped through the cracks" in a sentence?

You can use "slipped through the cracks" to describe something that was missed or overlooked due to a flawed system or oversight. For example, "The application "slipped through the cracks" and was never processed."

What's a good alternative to "slipped through the cracks"?

Alternatives include "was overlooked", "went unnoticed", or "was missed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slipped through the cracks" in formal writing?

While "slipped through the cracks" is an idiom, it's widely understood and acceptable in many formal contexts, especially when describing systemic failures. However, in highly formal or academic writing, more direct alternatives like "was overlooked" might be preferred.

What does it mean when something "slipped through the cracks"?

It means that something was not properly handled or addressed, often due to a failure in a process or system. It implies that something should have been caught but wasn't, leading to a negative outcome.