Artful Dodger

idiom

Slang Cockney rhyming slang · East London

Meaning

lodger

Origin

first recorded 19th c.

From the nickname of a skillful young pickpocket and rascal in Oliver Twist (1838) by Charles Dickens.

Examples

SIMPLE

He is such an artful dodger when he owes me money.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician acted like an artful dodger, avoiding every direct question about the budget scandal.

COMPLEX

Known as an artful dodger in legal circles, the lawyer managed to evade the judge's inquiries with clever, evasive rhetoric.

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Last updated April 28, 2026