Expressions used in Everyday Spoken English in Social and Professional contexts
slip(-)up
slip upslip-up
Meaning(s)
1) a mistake or a fumble
How to MemorizePopularity HighProfessional HighSocial
a slip-up at work, always slipping up
Analysis
This can be used to mean a mistake or to imply clumsiness in one's work or dealings with others. It is a popular way of talking about errors: "I may have slipped up with the figures there. Let me re-check them for you." "Please don't slip up in this meeting. This contract is vital to our company." This is an expression you will hear in social and professional contexts. Similar meaning expressions include 'make a blunder' and 'get it wrong'.
Professional Examples (Basic)
I hate working with that guy. He's always slipping up.
Oh, please don't fire me. I only slipped up once!
There wasa slip-up at work,so now we have to double-count all the cups and straws again.
I take my time when I first learn something so there arefewer slip-ups to correct.
Social Examples (Basic)
I tried not to slip up, but I lost my concentration and made a mistake.
Every time my teacher asks me a question I get nervous and it causes me toslip upand give the wrong answer.
We must haveslipped up somewhere with the directions, I don't think we are in the right place at all.