Weasel out of Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈwizəɫ/ /ˈaʊt/ /ˈəv

WEE-zuhl OWT uhv

UK

wˈiːzəl/ /ˈaʊt/ /ˈɒv

WEE-zuhl OWT ov

Definition

To avoid doing something you should do, often in a sneaky or dishonest way, especially to escape responsibility or a promise.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often disapproving. Usually describes escaping duties, promises, or obligations. Common in spoken English: 'weasel out of work/doing chores/a deal.' Not used for physical movement. Implies intentional avoidance.

• Spanish: escabullirse de - zafarse de
• Portuguese (BR): escapar de - se safar de
• Portuguese (PT): fugir de - esquivar-se de
• Chinese (Simplified): 逃避（责任或承诺） - 推卸
• Chinese (Traditional): 逃避（責任或承諾） - 推卸
• Hindi: बचना (जिम्मेदारी से) - टालना
• Arabic: التهرب من - الإفلات من
• Bengali: এড়ানো (দায়িত্ব/কাজ) - ফাঁকি দেওয়া (দায়িত্ব থেকে)
• Russian: уклониться (от обязанностей) - увильнуть (от ответственности)
• Japanese: うまく逃れる - 責任を逃れる
• Vietnamese: lẩn tránh (trách nhiệm/công việc)
• Korean: 교묘하게 피하다 - 빠져나가다 (책임/약속에서)
• Turkish: sıyrılmak (sorumluluktan) - kaçmak (görevden)
• Urdu: ذمہ داری سے بچنا - کام سے دامن بچانا
• Indonesian: mengelak (dari tanggung jawab) - menghindar (dari tugas)

Example Sentences

Don't try to weasel out of this deal.

basic

She managed to weasel out of going to the meeting.

basic

Stop trying to weasel out of your chores and just do them.

natural

He’s always looking for ways to weasel out of responsibility.

natural

If you try to weasel out of this, people will notice.

natural

He always tries to weasel out of doing his homework.

basic