wiggle out of
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To escape from something you're supposed to do by being sneaky or clever.
Literal meaning: To escape a tight physical space by moving the body in a wriggling, side-to-side motion.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To escape from a responsibility or obligation through clever or evasive behaviour.
"He tried every excuse he could think of to wiggle out of attending the family dinner."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To physically extract oneself from a tight or restrictive space by wriggling.
"The child managed to wiggle out of the safety harness without anyone noticing."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Implies some degree of dishonesty or manipulation, though can be used lightly. Common in everyday speech. Very similar to 'wriggle out of', which is preferred in British English.
Commonly used with
responsibility commitment deal promise obligation contract
Forms
Base
wiggle out of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wiggles out of
he/she/it
Past simple
wiggled out of
yesterday
Past participle
wiggled out of
have + pp
-ing form
wiggling out of
continuous
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