Grammar fix
weasel out of
dodge responsibility
To avoid a responsibility or promise by using dishonest excuses or clever tricks.
phrasal verb
How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He tried to weasel out of paying his share of the restaurant bill.
My flatmate always finds a way to weasel out of cleaning the bathroom — there's suddenly a work emergency every Saturday morning.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She weaseled out from paying her share.
Say: She weaseled out of paying her share.
The fixed preposition is 'out of', not 'out from'; the phrase strongly criticises the person avoiding responsibility.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Avoid doing something you should do
How sneakyNeutralDevious
get out ofThe everyday choice for avoiding an unwanted obligation.wriggle out ofDisapproving: escape a duty through clever excuses or loopholes.
weasel out ofYou're here · Strongly disapproving: avoid a responsibility through dishonest excuses.