wheedle
C1Informal, somewhat literary; can be pejorative.
Definition
Meaning
To use flattery, coaxing, or endearments to persuade someone to do something or give you something.
To obtain something through persistent, insincere, or artful persuasion; to cajole or coax with smooth talk.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies a degree of manipulation, often with a suggestion of slyness, deceit, or self-serving intent. It is not a neutral term for persuasion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in definition or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British literary contexts, but equally understood and used with the same negative connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but perhaps marginally more encountered in UK English prose.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wheedle sb into doing sthwheedle sth out of sbwheedle one's way into sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “wheedle one's way into/out of something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might describe unethically obtaining concessions or information from a colleague.
Academic
Very rare, except in literary analysis of character behaviour.
Everyday
Used to describe how children get treats from parents or how someone gets a favour.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The toddler managed to wheedle an extra biscuit out of his gran.
- She's always trying to wheedle her way out of paying her share.
American English
- He wheedled his dad into lending him the car for the weekend.
- Don't let that salesman wheedle you into a bad deal.
adverb
British English
- N/A. The adverb form 'wheedlingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- N/A. The adverb form 'wheedlingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The adjective form 'wheedling' exists (a wheedling tone).
American English
- N/A. The adjective form 'wheedling' exists (his wheedling voice).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child wheedled a sweet from her mother.
- He's always wheedling money from his friends.
- Using flattery, she wheedled the secret formula out of the old chemist.
- The lobbyist was adept at wheedling concessions from even the most resistant politicians.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WHEEL that needs oil to run smoothly. To WHEEDLE is to use smooth, oily (flattering) talk to get something.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS A SMOOTH, OILY SUBSTANCE (slippery, insincere).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not simply 'убеждать' (to persuade). Closer to 'вымолить', 'выклянчить', or 'улестить'. Implies a negative judgment on the method.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'ask' or 'request'. Incorrect: 'He wheedled me for the time.' Correct: 'He wheedled the password out of me.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'wheedle' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally negative. It implies the use of flattery or coaxing in a manipulative, self-serving, or deceitful way.
No, it is too informal and value-laden for formal academic or business writing. Use 'persuade', 'induce', or 'coax' instead.
'Coax' is more neutral and can be patient and gentle. 'Wheedle' always has a negative connotation of sly manipulation.
The most common pattern is 'wheedle something out of someone' or 'wheedle someone into doing something'.