1 B2 idiomatic informal
To avoid a responsibility, obligation, or commitment by using excuses, deception, or cunning.
"He tried to weasel out of paying his share of the bill by pretending he had no cash."
inseparable
weasel out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To avoid a responsibility or commitment through cunning, dishonesty, or weak excuses.
In plain English
To find a sneaky way to avoid doing something you are supposed to do.
What does "weasel out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To escape from a tight situation or difficult circumstances through sly or evasive behaviour.
"The politician tried to weasel out of the scandal by blaming his staff."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To escape like a weasel from a tight place — the weasel's ability to slip away is the source of the metaphor.
Actually means
To find a sneaky way to avoid doing something you are supposed to do.
Usage tip
Strongly negative in connotation, implying dishonesty or cowardice. Almost always followed by 'of' (weasel out of something). Common in British and American informal English. Used colloquially in conversation and journalism.
Words that pair with "weasel out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
responsibility commitment deal promise contract agreement duty
How to conjugate "weasel out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
weasel out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
weasels out
he/she/it
Past simple
weaseled out
yesterday
Past participle
weaseled out
have + pp
-ing form
weaseling out
continuous
Hear "weasel out" in the wild
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