Worm out of

verb

To avoid a situation or responsibility in a crafty or sly way.

He always tries to worm out of doing his share of the housework.
Visual representation of "worm out of" - To avoid a situation or responsibility in a crafty or sly way

Often appears as...

  • worm out of responsibility
  • worm out of doing something

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To extract sensitive or guarded information from someone in a subtle, indirect or manipulative manner.

The detective was able to worm out of him where he had hidden the loot.
Visual representation of "worm out of" - To extract sensitive or guarded information from someone in a subtle, indirect or manipulative manner

Often appears as...

  • worm out information
  • worm out secrets

Usage tips

Neutral

verb

To avoid a situation or responsibility in a crafty or sly way.

He always tries to worm out of doing his share of the housework.
Visual representation of "worm out of" - To avoid a situation or responsibility in a crafty or sly way

Often appears as...

  • worm out of responsibility
  • worm out of doing something

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To extract sensitive or guarded information from someone in a subtle, indirect or manipulative manner.

The detective was able to worm out of him where he had hidden the loot.
Visual representation of "worm out of" - To extract sensitive or guarded information from someone in a subtle, indirect or manipulative manner

Often appears as...

  • worm out information
  • worm out secrets

Usage tips

Neutral

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

Negative Connotation

Using 'worm out of' implies disapproval of someone's actions.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
She managed to worm out of attending the meeting.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Stealth Required

'Worm out of' suggests the action is done quietly and without drawing attention.

Illustration for Stealth Required
He tried to worm out of the situation without anyone noticing.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Approach

The phrase is often used when someone avoids something without direct confrontation.

Illustration for Subtle Approach
She can worm out of any argument by changing the subject.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Using 'worm out of' implies disapproval of someone's actions.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
She managed to worm out of attending the meeting.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Stealth Required

'Worm out of' suggests the action is done quietly and without drawing attention.

Illustration for Stealth Required
He tried to worm out of the situation without anyone noticing.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Approach

The phrase is often used when someone avoids something without direct confrontation.

Illustration for Subtle Approach
She can worm out of any argument by changing the subject.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Using 'worm out of' implies disapproval of someone's actions.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
She managed to worm out of attending the meeting.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Stealth Required

'Worm out of' suggests the action is done quietly and without drawing attention.

Illustration for Stealth Required
He tried to worm out of the situation without anyone noticing.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Approach

The phrase is often used when someone avoids something without direct confrontation.

Illustration for Subtle Approach
She can worm out of any argument by changing the subject.
Visual representation of the word "Worm out of"

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