let slip

let something slip (out)

Fig. to reveal a secret carelessly or by accident. I didn't let it slip out on purpose. It was an accident. John let the plans slip when he was talking to Bill.

See also: let, slip

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let slip something

to say something that you did not intend to say because you wanted to keep it secret Pam let slip an interesting bit of gossip yesterday. (often + that ) Stupidly, I let it slip that they'd decided not to give him the job.

See also: let, slip

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let something slip also let slip something

to say something that you intended to keep secret She doesn't like to tell people what she's doing, but sometimes she'll let something slip. From time to time, Alex lets slip an ugly comment about his colleagues.

Usage notes: also used in the form let it slip: Pam let it slip that I'm not going to be promoted.

See also: let, slip