What is 'a slip of the tongue'? Is it an idiom?

nona m. · Thu Jan 25, 2007 8:38 am *What is 'a slip of the tongue'? Is it an idiom?*

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #115 "Synonyms for mistake and blunder", question 3

You shouldn't worry about this, it was only a ......... of the tongue and no one really noticed.

(a) misunderstanding
(b) slip
(c) mistake
(d) blunder

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #115 "Synonyms for mistake and blunder", answer 3

You shouldn't worry about this, it was only a slip of the tongue and no one really noticed.

Correct answer: (b) slip
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what is slip?

nona m.

Conchita · Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:47 am *What is 'a slip of the tongue'? Is it an idiom?*

A slip is a mistake, especially if it is not very important. The expression a slip of the tongue means 'a mistake in speaking'.

Edit: Sorry! I had written 'a mistake in sleeping'!

Alan · Thu Jan 25, 2007 12:10 pm *What is 'a slip of the tongue'? Is it an idiom?*

Hi Concita,

The mind boggles at what your first sentence (pre edit) might have meant.

A
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Conchita · Thu Jan 25, 2007 12:43 pm *What is 'a slip of the tongue'? Is it an idiom?*

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