Wriggle out of
phrasal verb
To avoid or escape something, especially by clever or dishonest means.
He tried to wriggle out of cleaning his room, making a lot of excuses.
Often appears as...
- wriggle out of responsibility
- wriggle out of a situation
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To avoid or escape something, especially by clever or dishonest means.
He tried to wriggle out of cleaning his room, making a lot of excuses.
Often appears as...
- wriggle out of responsibility
- wriggle out of a situation
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
Often used in casual speech rather than in formal writing or professional environments.
When asked to help move, she managed to wriggle out of it, claiming a sudden appointment.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
Suggests dishonesty or lack of responsibility when avoiding duties or promises.
He wriggled out of paying his share of the bill by pretending to have lost his wallet.
Pro Tip 3/3Imagery
Implies a struggle or clever maneuvers, like a worm or a snake moving through a tight space.
She wriggled out of the boring meeting, slipping out when no one was looking.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
Often used in casual speech rather than in formal writing or professional environments.
When asked to help move, she managed to wriggle out of it, claiming a sudden appointment.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
Suggests dishonesty or lack of responsibility when avoiding duties or promises.
He wriggled out of paying his share of the bill by pretending to have lost his wallet.
Pro Tip 3/3Imagery
Implies a struggle or clever maneuvers, like a worm or a snake moving through a tight space.
She wriggled out of the boring meeting, slipping out when no one was looking.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
Often used in casual speech rather than in formal writing or professional environments.
When asked to help move, she managed to wriggle out of it, claiming a sudden appointment.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
Suggests dishonesty or lack of responsibility when avoiding duties or promises.
He wriggled out of paying his share of the bill by pretending to have lost his wallet.
Pro Tip 3/3Imagery
Implies a struggle or clever maneuvers, like a worm or a snake moving through a tight space.
She wriggled out of the boring meeting, slipping out when no one was looking.
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