What does “Slip through one's fingers” mean?
"Slip through one's fingers" means to lose an opportunity or let something valuable escape from your grasp.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The championship title slipped through their fingers in the final seconds of the game.
Example
He had a chance to invest in the company early on, but it slipped through his fingers.
Example
She had the perfect job offer, but it slipped through her fingers when she hesitated too long
Is “Slip through one's fingers” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Slip through one's fingers” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Slip through one's fingers” effectively in context?
You can use "Slip through one's fingers" to describe a situation where you lose an opportunity or let something valuable escape from your grasp. It emphasizes the feeling of regret and disappointment. For example, if a friend misses out on a job offer because they didn't act quickly enough, you might say, 'The opportunity slipped through their fingers.'
- 1Sports
The championship title slipped through their fingers in the final seconds of the game.
- 2Investment
He had a chance to invest in the company early on, but it slipped through his fingers.
- 3Job Opportunity
She had the perfect job offer, but it slipped through her fingers when she hesitated too long.
Similar phrases to “Slip through one's fingers”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Slip through one's fingers” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Slip through one's fingers" is unknown.
Is “Slip through one's fingers” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Slip through one's fingers" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their disappointment or regret when they miss out on an opportunity or let something valuable slip away.
What tone does “Slip through one's fingers” have?
"Slip through one's fingers" conveys a tone of regret and disappointment. It's often used to describe situations where someone feels a sense of loss or missed opportunity.
Can “Slip through one's fingers” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "slip through one's fingers" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of losing an opportunity or letting something valuable escape. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The job offer slipped through her fingers.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It slipped through my fingers!' to express regret.
