# take French leave

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˌteɪk fɹɛnt͡ʃ ˈliːv/

## Definitions
1. To leave quietly and unnoticed, without asking for permission or informing anyone; to slip out.
2. To desert or be temporarily absent from duty or service without permission; to go absent without leave (AWOL).

## 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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/take-french-leave