A build is slipping

Status
Not open for further replies.

AlexAD

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Russian
Home Country
Belarus
Current Location
United States
Hello.

It was said that a build is delayed and then a manager asked why the build was slipping.
I have looked up the OALD for the verb slip and didn't find any evidence that 'slipping' has the meaning of 'delaying'.
Could you please help to find out what is the meaning of that word.

Thank you in advance.
 

JMurray

Key Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2010
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
English
Home Country
New Zealand
Current Location
Australia
It was said that a build is delayed and then a manager asked why the build was slipping.
I have looked up the OALD for the verb slip and didn't find any evidence that 'slipping' has the meaning of 'delaying'.
Could you please help to find out what is the meaning of that word.


Without further context, I think that in this case "slipping" means "slipping/lagging/falling behind" the deadlines or expected rate of progress set for the project.

not a teacher
 

AlexAD

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Russian
Home Country
Belarus
Current Location
United States
Is that like when a car skids?
 

JMurray

Key Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2010
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
English
Home Country
New Zealand
Current Location
Australia
Is that like when a car skids?

In some contexts "skid" and "slip" can have very similar meanings and may even be interchangeable.
"His foot skidded/slipped on a patch of oil in the garage".
But, for the meaning intended in your original example, "to slip behind" is a natural phrase whereas "to skid behind" is incorrect.

not a teacher
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top