sloped off
Snuck away discreetly
Sloped off means to leave quietly or furtively, typically to avoid notice or responsibility.
It suggests slinking away rather than making a proper exit: He sloped off before anyone could ask him to help clean up.
The phrase is more common in British than American English.
- abscondFlee to avoid capture
- did a runnerFled to avoid obligation
- ghostingAbruptly ceasing all communication
- sidleMove furtively sideways
- made oneself scarceDeparted to avoid notice
evade · tiptoe · sneak · shirk · disappearing · faded away · decamp · slink · slip away · slipped out · abandoning · deserting · avoid · skulk · scarper · beat a retreat · retreat · flee
responsibility/duty
sloped offstayed put
Continued in place
faced the music · stood one's ground · stuck around · remained · knuckled down