weasel
weasel — noun
- weaselsingular
- weaselsplural
1. a wild creature with brown fur and a slender shape that feeds on mice, rats, and
a wild creature with brown fur and a slender shape that feeds on mice, rats, and other small animals in fields and woods
A weasel darted across the garden path and disappeared into the hedge.
collocation: weasel + darted / disappeared into hedge
The farmer spotted a weasel near the chicken coop early this morning.
collocation: weasel + near chicken coop
A weasel shot out from under the compost heap and vanished head-first into a mouse hole in the stone wall.
A weasel will often stash extra food in its burrow to eat during winter when prey is scarce.
The weasel pressed its long body flat against the ground and crept toward the rabbit grazing in the grass.
用法筆記
This animal is common across Europe, Asia, and North America. Its habit of sneaking into chicken coops to steal eggs and birds gave rise to the figurative meaning of a dishonest person.
2. someone who cannot be trusted, especially because they act in a sly or dishonest
someone who cannot be trusted, especially because they act in a sly or dishonest way to gain an advantage for themselves
Don't trust that weasel — he promised to help but disappeared the moment the work started.
collocation: weasel as insult [don't trust that weasel]
The defence lawyer was a weasel who twisted the facts to protect his rich client.
collocation: [profession] is a weasel
During the televised debate, one candidate called the other a weasel.
Léa realised her coworker was a weasel when he took credit for her idea.
Padma warned the class that the salesman was a weasel who would say anything to make a sale.
- straight shooter
someone who is direct and honest; informal American English
- trustworthy person
someone you can rely on to act honestly
用法筆記
Commonly used as a direct insult or criticism. The comparison comes from the animal's reputation for sneaking into places undetected and stealing food. Unlike 'liar,' which focuses on false statements, 'weasel' implies cunning and sneakiness more broadly.