wheedle

/ˈwiːdl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈwiːdl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈ(h)wē-dᵊl How to pronounce wheedle (audio)/ (ame, mw)

wheedle — verb

  • wheedlepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • wheedleshe / she / it
  • wheedledpast simple
  • wheedling-ing form

1. To get what you want from someone by saying pleasant but dishonest things to the

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

To get what you want from someone by saying pleasant but dishonest things to them, making them feel good so that they agree.

例句

Rohan wheedled his way into the VIP section by complimenting the doorman's jacket.

wheedle + possessive way + into [place]

The children wheedled an extra hour of screen time out of their exhausted babysitter.

wheedle + [something] + out of + [someone]

同義詞
  • coax

    Gentler and more neutral; implies patient encouragement without deception

  • cajole

    Similar but slightly more formal; suggests persistent gentle pressure

  • sweet-talk

    Informal, direct equivalent; wheedle sounds more literary and crafty

反義詞
  • bully

    Uses threats or force instead of flattery

  • demand

    Asks forcefully and directly, without charm or persuasion

文法句型

wheedle + object + out of + person

wheedle + person + into + -ing

wheedle + one's way + into + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in the pattern 'wheedle something out of someone', where the thing obtained is the direct object. Also common is the fixed expression 'wheedle one's way into something', meaning to gain access or membership through flattery. The word carries a mildly negative or critical tone — the speaker disapproves of the manipulative behaviour.

常見錯誤

❌The salesman wheedled me that the car was a great deal.
✅The salesman wheedled me into buying the car by saying it was a great deal.
💡'wheedle' takes 'into + -ing', not a that-clause.