Verb meaning changes by object (sleppa)

Many verbs in Icelandic shift their meaning based on context. The verb að sleppa always governs the dative case, but its meaning changes depending on its object.

Sleppa: To release or let go

When the dative object is a physical item, person, or animal, að sleppa means "to release," "to let go of," or "to drop."

The police released the prisoner yesterday.
Lögreglan sleppti fanganum í gær.
You must not let go of the rope.
Þú mátt ekki sleppa kaðlinum.
The woman released the dove.
Konan sleppti dúfunni.

Sleppa: To skip or avoid

When the dative object is an event, task, or obligation, the meaning shifts to "to skip" or "to pass on" doing something.

It is important to skip this seminar.
Það er mikilvægt að sleppa þessari málstofu.
I am going to skip the family reunion because I am tired.
Ég ætla að sleppa ættarmótinu af því að ég er þreyttur.
We are skipping this evening shift.
Við sleppum þessari kvöldvakt.