Wriggle out Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɹɪɡəɫ/ /ˈaʊt

RIG-uhl OWT

UK

ɹˈɪɡəl/ /ˈaʊt

RIG-uhl OWT

Definition

To cleverly avoid doing something, especially something difficult or unpleasant, often by making excuses or using trickery.

Usage & Nuances

Informal; commonly used with situations of avoiding responsibility. Often used as 'wriggle out of (something)'. Suggests effort or cleverness to escape. Not used for physical escape; mostly about duties, promises, or commitments.

• Spanish: zafarse de - escabullirse de
• Portuguese (BR): escapar de - livrar-se de
• Portuguese (PT): escapar-se de - livrar-se de
• Chinese (Simplified): 逃避 - 推脱
• Chinese (Traditional): 逃避 - 推脫
• Hindi: (किसी चीज़ से) बच निकलना - टालना
• Arabic: التملص من - الهروب من
• Bengali: কৌশলে এড়ানো - দায়িত্ব এড়িয়ে চলা
• Russian: уклоняться - выкручиваться
• Japanese: うまく逃れる - 言い訳して逃れる
• Vietnamese: lẩn tránh - thoái thác
• Korean: 교묘히 빠져나가다 - 변명하며 피하다
• Turkish: kıvırmak - sorumluluktan kaçmak
• Urdu: چالبازی سے بچ نکلنا - بہانہ بنا کر جان چھڑانا
• Indonesian: mengelak - menghindar dengan alasan

Example Sentences

He always tries to wriggle out of doing his homework.

basic

Don't try to wriggle out of your responsibilities.

basic

She tried to wriggle out of cleaning her room.

basic

If there's a way to wriggle out of a meeting, Mark will find it.

natural

They managed to wriggle out of paying the bill somehow.

natural

Whenever he's in trouble, he tries to wriggle out with some excuse.

natural