to-weasel-out-of-something

🦦 to-weasel-out-of-something

Concrete Meaning

To avoid doing a duty or obligation by being sneaky, making excuses, or behaving deceitfully.

💬 Context & Examples

Used critically when someone successfully dodges a responsibility they had previously agreed to.

"He promised to help us move, but managed to weasel out of it at the last minute by claiming he was sick."
"The company tried to weasel out of paying the refund by pointing to a tiny clause in the contract."

🧠 Pattern Challenge

Test Yourself

What biological trait of a weasel applies to this expression?

Show Answer

Weasels have long, slender, flexible bodies that allow them to slip through impossibly tight spaces and escape traps. Metaphorically, a person is "slipping through" a tight obligation.