weasel out

verb

1. to go back on a commitment
2. to evade a responsibility, esp in a despicable manner

Idioms and Phrases

Back out of a situation or commitment, especially in a sneaky way. For example, I'd love to weasel out of serving on the board . This expression alludes to the stealthy hunting and nesting habits of the weasel, a small, slender-bodied predator. [ Colloquial ; mid-1900s]

Related Words

• abolish
• abrogate
• annul
• cancel
• dismantle
• invalidate
• lift
• overturn
• quash
• renege
• repeal
• retract
• reverse
• revoke
• set aside
• void