weasel
UK: ˈwiː.zəl | US: ˈwiː.zəl
n. 1. A small, slender carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela, known for its agility and cunning.
n. 2. (Informal) A deceitful or sneaky person.
vi. (Colloquial) To evade or manipulate cleverly (e.g., "to weasel out of an obligation").
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The word "weasel" traces back to Old English wesle or weosule, derived from Proto-Germanic wisulǭ. Its roots are ancient and compact, likely imitative of the animal’s swift movements or linked to Proto-Indo-European wis- (meaning "to flow" or "slip away"), reflecting the creature’s elusive nature. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe sly human behavior.
The weasel darted into the burrow before the hawk could strike.
Don’t trust him—he’s a weasel who always avoids responsibility.
She tried to weasel her way out of paying the bill.
Farmers often set traps to protect chickens from weasels.
His weasel words left everyone confused about his true intentions.