slip of the tongue

/slˈɪp ɒvðə tˈʌŋ/

/slˈɪp ʌvðə tˈʌŋ/

[phrase]

slip of the tongue

[PHRASE]

an accidental and minor mistake made while speaking

[slip] of the tongue definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "slip of the tongue" and when to use it?

The idiom "slip of the tongue" originated from the idea that speech is a deliberate act that requires conscious control, and that sometimes this control can be momentarily lost or "slip" due to various reasons. The phrase is commonly used to describe situations where someone says something embarrassing, inappropriate, or offensive by accident.

Examples

1. He regretted his slip of the tongue during the interview, which cost him the job.

2. I know what you're thinking he obviously meant Namibia just a slip of the tongue it can happen to anyone

3. And if you're going to deem that racial, then I think that comment or slip of the tongue, however you want to label it, that also has to be deemed as a racial comment.

4. JOHN PODESTA - Well, look, it was a slip of the tongue.

Nearby words