Slippery
/ˈslɪpəri/
Definitions
2 meaningsDifficult to hold or to stand or move on because of a smooth or wet surface.
/ˈslɪpəri/
Difficult to hold or stand on
The floor was slippery after the spill.
💡 Simply: Imagine walking on ice! Slippery things are hard to keep your grip on, like a bar of soap or a banana peel. If you're not careful, you might lose your balance!
👶 For kids: When something is slippery, it's hard to hold or stand on. Like a wet slide!
More Examples
Be careful, the rocks near the waterfall are slippery.
The soap is slippery and hard to hold.
How It's Used
"The icy sidewalk was slippery and dangerous."
"The goalkeeper struggled with the slippery ball during the rainy match."
Likely to cause something to slip or escape; not firmly fixed or reliable; evasive.
/ˈslɪpəri/
Not firmly fixed or reliable; evasive
The politician gave a slippery answer, avoiding the real issue.
💡 Simply: Slippery can also mean someone is trying to avoid something or not being honest. Like a tricky answer to a question or someone avoiding responsibility.
👶 For kids: When something is slippery, it can also mean that something is not easy to catch or understand.
More Examples
He has a slippery reputation; people don't trust him.
The lawyer's argument was based on slippery reasoning, attempting to mislead the jury.
How It's Used
"The politician gave a slippery answer, avoiding the direct question."
"The evidence against him was slippery, based on hearsay and speculation."
Synonyms
Greasy
Oily
Slick
Ambiguous
Deceptive
Elusive
Evasive
Idioms & expressions
slippery slope
A course of action that is likely to lead to something bad or undesirable.
"Allowing one minor transgression could start a slippery slope leading to serious problems."
From Middle English *slipery*, from Old English *slīpor* (slippery, smooth), related to *slīepan* (to slip).
The word 'slippery' has been used since Old English, initially referring to a smooth or sliding surface. Its metaphorical use, implying evasiveness, developed over time.
Memory tip
Think of trying to catch a greased pig.