ENGLISH
REFERENCE

weasel out

idiom
Meaning

To shirk, avoid, or fail to fulfill (a task, responsibility, etc.)

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't try to weasel out of your chores today.

CONTEXTUAL

He promised to help with the move, but now he is trying to weasel out of it.

COMPLEX

Despite his previous commitment to the project, he attempted to weasel out of his responsibilities once the workload became too demanding.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    weasel into

    To enter a place or a situation by being dishonest or by persuading someone in a clever way.

Last updated April 17, 2026