wriggle out of
Slip away from
To wriggle out of something is to escape or avoid it through clever maneuvering or evasion, much like a creature twisting free from a tight grip.
The phrase typically applies to obligations, commitments, or difficult situations that someone manages to dodge rather than face directly.
He's trying to wriggle out of helping us move.
She wriggled out of the contract by finding a loophole.
The expression carries connotations of slipperiness or mild dishonesty.
Escape by cunning
- dodgeAvoid by quick movement
- shirkEvade one's obligations
- sidestepEvade by moving aside
- eludeSkillfully avoid capture
escape · duck · skirt · circumvent · deflect · weasel out · slip away · get around
evade
Escape by cunning
elude · escape · duck · skirt · circumvent · deflect · weasel out · slip away · get around · back out
shirk
Evade one's obligations
- abdicateFormally renounce authority
- renounceFormally give up
- disclaimDeny connection or responsibility
disavow · deny · reject · disown · repudiate · decline · relinquish · pass the buck · excuse · justify