weasel

n. a small, thin animal with a long body and short legs that hunts other animals.

n. a small, slender-bodied carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela, typically having reddish-brown fur and a white belly.

“The weasel disappeared into a small hole in the stone wall.”

“Farmers often view the weasel with a mix of respect and frustration, as it is a highly efficient predator of both rodents and poultry.”

n. a person who is dishonest, sneaky, or cannot be trusted.

n. a person regarded as devious, treacherous, or sneaky. Informal and derogatory in register.

“Don't trust him with your secrets; he is a total weasel.”

“The office manager was described as a weasel by his subordinates after he took credit for their collective achievements during the board meeting.”

Informal

v. to avoid doing something you should do by being sneaky or making excuses.

v. to avoid a commitment or responsibility through devious or evasive means; frequently used with the particle 'out'.

“He tried to weasel out of his chores by pretending to be sick.”

“The politician attempted to weasel out of his earlier promises by claiming the economic climate had shifted significantly since the election.”

Informal

v. to get what you want by using clever or dishonest tricks.

v. to achieve a goal or gain a position through cunning or manipulation.

“She managed to weasel her way into the VIP section without a ticket.”

“Through a series of calculated social maneuvers, he managed to weasel his way into the inner circle of the city's elite.”

Informal