slip through one's fingers

To escape without someone's knowing how.

/Policemen surrounded the building, but the thief managed to slip through their fingers./

/Mike earns a good wage, but he doesn't save a penny. Money just slips through his fingers./

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

Tags:


	Follow English as a Second Language on Twitter

	See also »
	finger [finger] See: BURN ONE'S FINGERS, CROSS ONE'S FINGERS or KEEP ONE'S FINGERS CROSSED, LAY A ... A Dictionary of American Idioms cross one's fingers [cross one's fingers] {v. phr.} 1a. To cross two fingers of one hand for good ... A Dictionary of American Idioms burn one's fingers [burn one's fingers] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get in trouble doing something and fear to ... A Dictionary of American Idioms sticky fingers [sticky fingers] {n. phr.}, {slang} 1. The habit of stealing things you see and want. ... A Dictionary of American Idioms snap one's fingers at [snap one's fingers at] {v. phr.} To show contempt for; show no respect for; pay ... A Dictionary of American Idioms work one's fingers to the bone [work one's fingers to the bone] {v. phr.} To work very hard. * /"I have ... A Dictionary of American Idioms keep your fingers crossed [keep your fingers crossed] See: [CROSS ONE'S FINGERS]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

	Recent updates »
	водить за нос [водить за нос] {v. phr.} {informal} {literally} to pull by someone's nose. 1. To assify, fool, hoax; Make fool of smb.; ... pile up [pile up] {v. phr.} 1. To grow into a big heap. /He didn't go into his office for three days and his work kept piling up./ ... piggy-back [piggy-back] {adj.} or {adv.} Sitting or being carried on the shoulders. /Little John loved to go for a piggy-back ride on ...