slippery slope

noun

1. a dangerous and irreversible course:

   the slippery slope from narcotics to prison.

Word History and Origins

Origin of slippery slope¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Idioms and Phrases

A dangerous course, one that leads easily to catastrophe, as in He's on a slippery slope, compromising his values to please both the bosses and the union . This metaphoric expression alludes to traversing a slick hillside, in constant danger of falling. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

Critics of her measure have raised fears of coercion and a slippery slope to wider legislation taking in more people.

From BBC

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told the BBC that legalising assisted dying was "dangerous", and could lead to a "slippery slope" where more people would feel compelled to have their life ended medically.

From BBC

He has also spoken of concerns about a "slippery slope" - which Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has also warned of.

From BBC

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called the idea of assisted dying "dangerous" and suggested it would lead to a “slippery slope” where more people would feel compelled to have their life ended medically.

From BBC

Duke Machado, who runs a Latino Republican Facebook page from Texas called Latino Strikeforce, said he fears that if the Democrats win, the country would be on a slippery slope to communism.

From BBC