slip road
/ˈslɪp roʊd/
Meaning
A slip road is a short road that allows vehicles to enter or exit a main highway, motorway, or dual carriageway. This term is primarily used in British, Australian, and South African English; in North America, it is typically called an 'on-ramp' or 'off-ramp.' It is a neutral, everyday driving term used when giving directions or navigating highways.
Examples
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Take the next slip road on the left to exit the motorway toward Oxford.
Take the next slip road on the left to exit the motorway toward Oxford.
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Traffic was backed up all the way down the slip road because of a minor accident.
Traffic was backed up all the way down the slip road because of a minor accident.
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Be careful when merging from the slip road onto the highway; drivers are moving very fast.
Be careful when merging from the slip road onto the highway; drivers are moving very fast.
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I missed the slip road for the airport, so we had to drive another five miles to turn around.
I missed the slip road for the airport, so we had to drive another five miles to turn around.
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The GPS told me to join the M4 via the slip road just ahead.
The GPS told me to join the M4 via the slip road just ahead.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Drive down the slippery road to enter the highway.
✓ Drive down the slip road to enter the highway.
A 'slip road' is a technical road design term, whereas a 'slippery road' is a road that is wet or icy and lacks traction.
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✗ We parked our car on the slip road to take a quick photo of the view.
✓ We parked our car on the lay-by to take a quick photo of the view.
You must never park on a slip road, as it is a high-speed merging lane. A lay-by or shoulder is for stopping.
Related Expressions
Practice
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You need to accelerate to match the highway speed before you leave the ___.
💡 The connecting road used to enter a motorway.
Show answer
slip road
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Missed the ___? Don't worry, there's another exit in three miles.
💡 British term for an exit or entry ramp.
Show answer
slip road