English Explanatory Dictionary

take French leave

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To leave quietly and unnoticed, without asking for permission or informing anyone; to slip out.
  2. To desert or be temporarily absent from duty or service without permission; to go absent without leave (AWOL).

Pronunciation

/ˌteɪk fɹɛnt͡ʃ ˈliːv/ /ˌteɪk fɹɛnt͡ʃ ˈliv/ En-us-take French leave.oga

Word forms

take French leave takes French leave taking French leave took French leave taken French leave take a French leave

Etymology

From take + French leave, apparently from a French custom, already recorded in the 18th century, of leaving from receptions or other events without formally announcing one’s departure to the host or hostess.

Synonyms

duck out sneak out

Related words

abscond Irish goodbye take flight take leave take one's leave take leave of one's senses
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