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# a slip of the tongue

phrase (idiom; noun phrase: a slip of the tongue, slips of the tongue)

«a slip of the tongue» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. a small mistake in speaking, saying a word you didn't mean.
2. (euphemism, excuse) used to excuse saying something embarrassing or true that should have stayed secret.

### In the lessons

All regions; everyday talk and news; politicians often use it to excuse what they said.

### Examples

- I called my teacher «Mum» — a slip of the tongue!
- Sorry, slip of the tongue — I meant Tuesday.
- The minister blamed a slip of the tongue.
- His slip of the tongue gave away the surprise.
- Everyone makes the odd slip of the tongue.
- Chat: «I called him by my ex's name — slip of the tongue, honest!»

### Note

Stands for «a speaking mistake». Sometimes used to excuse saying the truth by accident. Compare «a slip of the pen» (writing mistake).