Weasel out

usgb
verb

To avoid doing something that you promised or agreed to do.

John promised to help me, but he tried to weasel out by saying he had other plans.
Visual representation of "weasel out" - To avoid doing something that you promised or agreed to do

Often appears as...

  • weasel out of a promise
  • weasel out of a deal

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "weasel out"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

The phrase suggests dishonesty or unreliability and often carries a negative judgment.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Sarah didn't appreciate how Mike tried to weasel out of the contract.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subtle Evasion

It implies a clever or sneaky way of avoiding responsibility without a direct refusal.

Illustration for Subtle Evasion
He managed to weasel out of doing the dishes without anyone noticing.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Conversational Context

Commonly used in spoken English among friends or in informal settings.

Illustration for Conversational Context
They were weaseling out of going to the reunion.
Visual representation of the word "Weasel out"

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