How to Pronounce "slippery as an eel"
expression
ˈsɫɪpɝi/, /ˈsɫɪpɹi/ /ˈæz/, /ˈɛz/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈiɫ
SLIP-er-ee az an EEL
slˈɪpəɹi/ /ˈæs/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈiːl
sl-IP-uh-ree az un EEL
Definition
Describes someone who is very difficult to catch, hold, or get a clear answer from—often because they avoid direct answers or escape situations easily.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈsɫɪpɝi/, /ˈsɫɪpɹi/ /ˈæz/, /ˈɛz/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈiɫ
British English
slˈɪpəɹi/ /ˈæs/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈiːl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SLIP-er-ee az an EEL
UK
sl-IP-uh-ree az un EEL
Listen in Context
The thief was slippery as an eel and escaped the police easily.
Negotiating with him is tough—he's slippery as an eel.
Every time I ask where he was, he acts slippery as an eel.
He's slippery as an eel—good luck getting a straight answer out of him.