This idiom means to escape, evade, or elude someone or something, often through cunning or quick action, avoiding capture or detection. It suggests slipping away from pursuit, like a fugitive or prey, and is used in contexts of physical escape, social avoidance, or strategic dodging. The phrase carries a sly, triumphant tone, reflecting cultural admiration for cleverness and agility, but can also imply deception or irresponsibility, depending on the context. It underscores the thrill of outwitting an opponent or obstacle.

The phrase likely originated in 16th-century England, tied to nautical or hunting contexts where ‘slip’ meant escaping a net or leash. An early use appears in William Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet* (1597): ‘I’ll give him the slip.’ The idiom gained traction in the 17th century, reflecting a culture of rogues and adventurers, as seen in Daniel Defoe’s *Moll Flanders* (1722). Its use grew in 19th-century American English, particularly in frontier and crime narratives, with Mark Twain’s *Huckleberry Finn* (1884) using it. The phrase’s dynamic imagery and relevance to evasion ensured its spread, especially in detective fiction and film noir.