slip on
/slɪp ɑːn/
Meaning
This phrasal verb means to put on a piece of clothing or footwear quickly and easily. It implies that the item is simple to wear, requiring no complex buttons, laces, or zippers. It is a common, neutral expression used in everyday routines.
Examples
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It's a bit chilly outside, so I'll slip on a light jacket.
It's a bit chilly outside, so I'll slip on a light jacket.
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He slipped on his shoes and ran out the door to catch the bus.
He slipped on his shoes and ran out the door to catch the bus.
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Just slip on some comfortable clothes and we can go for a walk.
Just slip on some comfortable clothes and we can go for a walk.
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She slipped on her sunglasses as soon as she stepped into the bright sunlight.
She slipped on her sunglasses as soon as she stepped into the bright sunlight.
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These shoes are great because you can just slip them on without tying laces.
These shoes are great because you can just slip them on without tying laces.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I slipped on my jacket to the floor.
✓ I dropped my jacket on the floor.
To put on clothes is 'slip on'. If you lose your footing on something, you 'slip on [something]' (e.g., slip on ice), but you cannot use it to mean dropping an object.
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✗ I slipped on my shoes on.
✓ I slipped my shoes on.
'Slip on' is separable. You can say 'slip on my shoes' or 'slip my shoes on', but repeating 'on' twice is incorrect.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Before you go outside, you should ___ a sweater.
💡 To put on a piece of clothing quickly.
Show answer
slip on
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These loafers are easy to ___ when you're in a hurry.
💡 Put them on without needing to tie laces.
Show answer
slip on