Pronunciation: [slˈɪp pˈast] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "slip past" can be broken down using IPA phonetics. "Slip" is pronounced /slɪp/, with the "s" making a "ss" sound, the "l" being pronounced as expected and the "i" pronounced as "ih". "Past" is pronounced /pæst/, with the "p" making a "p" sound, the "a" pronounced as "ah", and the "t" pronounced as usual. Together, "slip past" means to move surreptitiously or unnoticed past someone or something.
Slip past is a phrasal verb that refers to the action of passing by or through someone or something in a stealthy or inconspicuous manner. It involves the act of moving or progressing unnoticed or undetected.
When used in a literal context, slip past describes the action of quietly and swiftly going by a person, object, or obstacle without drawing attention. For instance, you could say, "The cat slipped past the sleeping dog without waking it up." This implies that the cat managed to move by the dog without being noticed, avoiding any potential trouble.
In a figurative sense, slip past commonly denotes successfully evading or eluding someone's awareness, attention, or suspicion. For example, you might say, "The suspect slipped past the police barricade and vanished into thin air." This suggests that the individual managed to escape the attention of the police and disappear without being caught.
Overall, slip past is a term used to describe discreetly passing through or avoiding detection, either physically or metaphorically. It implies a skillful maneuver in evading notice, often highlighting the element of surprise or stealth involved in such an action.
The word "slip" originated from Middle English "slippen", which meant to escape or move stealthily. The term "past" comes from Old English and means "beyond" or "further on". When "slip" and "past" are combined in the phrase "slip past", it refers to the act of moving or passing by someone or something unnoticed or without detection.
