weasel out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, often pejorative
Quick answer
What does “weasel out” mean?
To escape or avoid a responsibility, obligation, or commitment in a sneaky, dishonest, or cowardly way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To escape or avoid a responsibility, obligation, or commitment in a sneaky, dishonest, or cowardly way.
To renege on a promise or duty, often through the use of deceptive excuses, clever wordplay, or underhanded means, rather than a direct refusal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is well-understood and used in both dialects with identical meaning and connotation. No significant structural differences.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English, but firmly established in both.
Grammar
How to Use “weasel out” in a Sentence
[Subject] weasels out of [Object (Responsibility)][Subject] weasels out of [Verb-ing (Action)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weasel out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He always finds a way to weasel out of doing the washing-up.
- They tried to weasel out of the contract by citing a minor technicality.
American English
- The senator weaseled out of the debate by claiming a scheduling conflict.
- Don't let him weasel out of paying his share of the rent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"He signed the contract but is now trying to weasel out of the delivery clause."
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in critiques of political or corporate rhetoric.
Everyday
"Don't you dare weasel out of walking the dog again!"
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weasel out”
- Using it without 'of' (Incorrect: 'He weaseled out the promise.' Correct: 'He weaseled out of the promise.')
- Confusing it with 'worm out of', which is very similar but less common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is almost always used pejoratively to criticise someone's character or actions. It implies a lack of integrity.
Yes, though less common. e.g., 'I need to find a way to weasel myself out of this dinner invitation.' It still carries a self-critical or humorous negative tone.
'Back out' is more neutral; it can be honest (e.g., 'I had to back out due to a family emergency'). 'Weasel out' specifically implies the method of backing out is sneaky, dishonest, or involves weak excuses.
Both 'weaseled out' (US) and 'weaselled out' (UK) are correct, following standard spelling conventions for the past tense of verbs ending in 'l'.
To escape or avoid a responsibility, obligation, or commitment in a sneaky, dishonest, or cowardly way.
Weasel out is usually informal, often pejorative in register.
Weasel out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwiːz(ə)l aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwizəl aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To weasel out of something”
- “Weasel words (related concept: ambiguous words used to evade commitment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sneaky WEASEL squeezing OUT of a trap it promised to guard. It's escaping a duty dishonestly.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISHONESTY/AVOIDANCE IS THE BEHAVIOUR OF A WEASEL (a sly animal).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'weasel out'?