take French leave

== English == === 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. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌteɪk fɹɛnt͡ʃ ˈliːv/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˌteɪk fɹɛnt͡ʃ ˈliv/ Rhymes: -iːv === Verb === take French leave (third-person singular simple present takes French leave, present participle taking French leave, simple past took French leave, past participle taken French leave) (idiomatic, intransitive, informal, dated) To leave quietly and unnoticed, without asking for permission or informing anyone; to slip out. [from mid 18th c.] Synonyms: duck out, sneak out (specifically, chiefly military, euphemistic) To desert or be temporarily absent from duty or service without permission; to go absent without leave (AWOL). ==== Alternative forms ==== take a French leave (obsolete) ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== abscond Irish goodbye take flight take leave, take one's leave take leave of one's senses === References === === Further reading === French leave on Wikipedia.Wikipedia