French leave
noun
: an informal, hasty, or secret departure
But as I was certain I should not be allowed to leave the enclosure, my only plan was to take French leave and slip out when nobody was watching …
Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis StevensonThe best sign that a husband is not about to take French Leave is a clear demonstration that he still loves his wife … John O'Sullivan
John O'SullivanIn the middle of the world premiere of his latest film, "Seklusyon," at the Galaxy Cinemas last Sunday, filmmaker Erik Matti had to take a French leave and rushed to another event … Bayani San Diego Jr.
Bayani San Diego Jr.
Word History
Etymology
from an 18th century French custom of leaving a reception without taking leave of the host or hostess
First Known Use
1748, in the meaning defined above
- reading man
- reading matter
- reading notice
- reading out
- reading over
- reading the riot act
- reading the riot act (to)
- reading the riot act to
- reading through
- reading up on
- readings
- readjourn
- readjust
- readjustable
- readjusted
- readjuster
- readjusters
- readjusting
- readjustment
- readjustments
- readjusts
- readmes
- readminister
- readministered
- readministering