French leave
Slipping away unannounced
French leave is departure without notice or permission—slipping away from a gathering without saying goodbye, or abandoning a post without authorization.
The phrase carries connotations of rudeness or cowardice, though leaving a party unannounced is sometimes considered tactful: She took French leave rather than interrupt the host's conversation.
Absent without permission
- desertionUnlawful abandonment of duty
- unauthorized absenceBeing away without approval
- absenteeismHabitual failure to attend
- court-martialArmed forces judicial proceeding
dishonorable discharge · insubordination · dereliction · military discipline · truancy · no-show · breach of duty
Flee to avoid capture
- slip awayDepart without detection
- sneak outLeave without detection
- vanishCease to be visible
- disappearPass from visibility
decamp · bolt · flee · escape · elope · withdraw · exit · slip off
Without prior notice
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
covert · unobtrusive · undetected · unnoticed · quiet · secretive · discreet · sneaky
Lacking good manners
- discourteousLacking good manners
- inconsiderateLacking regard for others
- disrespectfulShowing lack of regard
- uncivilLacking basic politeness
tactless · unmannerly · brusque · bad manners · ungracious · improper · without saying goodbye
AWOL
Absent without permission
- desertionUnlawful abandonment of duty
- unauthorized absenceBeing away without approval
- absenteeismHabitual failure to attend
court-martial · dishonorable discharge · insubordination · dereliction · military discipline · truancy · no-show · breach of duty
abscond
Flee to avoid capture
disappear · decamp · bolt · flee · escape · elope · withdraw · exit · slip off · steal away
unannounced
Without prior notice
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- furtiveSecretive and sly
clandestine · covert · unobtrusive · undetected · unnoticed · quiet · secretive · discreet · sneaky · hush-hush
impolite
Lacking good manners
- discourteousLacking good manners
- inconsiderateLacking regard for others
- disrespectfulShowing lack of regard
uncivil · tactless · unmannerly · brusque · bad manners · ungracious · improper · without saying goodbye
French leaveleave of absence
Authorized extended time off
furlough · shore leave · permission granted · signed out · discharged
French, Frenchman, Frenchmen, Frenchwoman, Frenchwomen, leave, leaves, leaving, leaver