Take French leave

usgb
verb

To leave a place without telling anyone or without permission.

He took French leave from the office party without saying goodbye to anyone.
Visual representation of "take French leave" - To leave a place without telling anyone or without permission.

Often appears as...

  • take french leave from work
  • take french leave from party

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "take French leave"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sneaky Exit

Implies a sly or secret departure. Used when someone wants to avoid attention or leave unnoticed.

Illustration for Sneaky Exit
Megan took French leave right after the toast.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potentially Rude

Can be viewed as impolite because it looks like you don't respect the host or the meeting organizer enough to inform them.

Illustration for Potentially Rude
When Jim took French leave, his colleagues assumed he was upset with the manager.
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Invisible Guest

Used in social situations where a person joins or leaves a gathering without attracting any attention.

Illustration for Invisible Guest
She took French leave right after dinner, and no one realized she was gone.
Visual representation of the word "Take French leave"

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