slip-up

[slip-uhp]

noun

1. a mistake, blunder, or oversight.

   Several slip-ups caused a delay in the delivery of the books.

   Synonyms: bungle, lapse, error

slip up

verb

1. informal,  to make a blunder or mistake; err

2. to fall over

   he slipped up in the street

noun

1. informal,  a mistake, blunder, or mishap

Word History and Origins

Origin of slip-up¹

First recorded in 1850–55; noun use of verb phrase slip up

Idioms and Phrases

Make a mistake, blunder, as in I slipped up and gave the invitations to the wrong people. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

France's only slip-up in qualifying came in a draw in Iceland last month, although they have rarely found their fluid best during a low-key campaign.

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England may have dodged an embarrasing slip-up here, but will be aware things are not going to get any easier.

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"We will be uncompromising and relentless," Retailleau warned, adding that he had given police instructions to make arrests "as soon as there is the slightest slip-up".

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England are poised to profit on any slip-up by title favourites France after scoring 10 tries in a record Six Nations win over a dismal Wales at the Principality Stadium.

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A big plus about the tight, top-eight team format of the ICC Champions Trophy is that a little slip-up can cost even the heavyweights dear.

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Related Words

• err 
• misconstrue 
• misinterpret 
• misjudge 
• misread 
• misunderstand 
• overestimate 
• overrate 
• overvalue 
• underestimate 
• undervalue