Meaning & Definition of Slippery in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Having a smooth surface that makes it difficult to hold on to.

  Example Sentence: The floor was slippery after the rain.

• Definition: Not firmly fixed; liable to cause someone to lose their footing.

  Example Sentence: The icy road was particularly slippery.

• Definition: Unpredictable and evasive in behavior or actions.

  Example Sentence: He gave her a slippery answer when she asked about his plans.

• Definition: Difficult to catch or define precisely.

  Example Sentence: The details of the agreement were slippery and vague.

• Definition: Referring to a dishonest or untrustworthy person.

  Example Sentence: He is known to be a slippery character in business deals.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'sliper', of uncertain origin.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• slippery slope: A course of action that will inevitably lead to unwanted consequences.
• slippery as an eel: Describes someone who is elusive or untrustworthy.
• slippery customer: A person who is difficult to deal with, often untrustworthy.

Translations

• Spanish: resbaladizo

• French: glissant

• German: rutschig

• Russian: скользкий

Related Words

• slip: To slide unintentionally, resulting in loss of traction.

• slick: Smooth and glossy; often used to describe a surface.

Slang Meanings of slippery

• Meaning: A person who is seen as untrustworthy or deceitful.

  Example Sentence: Watch out for that guy, he’s a slippery fella.

• Meaning: Referring to a proposal or plan that is not straightforward.

  Example Sentence: That deal sounds a bit slippery; I'd read the fine print.