Slippery slope: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Slippery slope” mean?

"Slippery slope" means a situation or course of action that is likely to lead to increasingly difficult or dangerous consequences.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Starting a small lie can be a slippery slope that leads to bigger and more damaging lies.

Example

Allowing one person to break the rules sets a slippery slope precedent for others to do the same.

Example

Ignoring warning signs can be a slippery slope that leads to a major disaster

Is “Slippery slope” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Slippery slope” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Slippery slope” effectively in context?

You can use "Slippery Slope" to describe a situation or course of action that is likely to lead to increasingly difficult or dangerous consequences. It emphasizes the idea that once you start down a certain path, it becomes harder and harder to turn back or avoid negative outcomes. For example, if someone suggests bending the rules just a little, you might say, 'Be careful, it's a slippery slope. Once you start, it's hard to stop.'

• 1. Ethics

  Starting a small lie can be a slippery slope that leads to bigger and more damaging lies.

• 2. Rules and Regulations

  Allowing one person to break the rules sets a slippery slope precedent for others to do the same.

• 3. Risk Management

  Ignoring warning signs can be a slippery slope that leads to a major disaster.

Similar phrases to “Slippery slope”:

Pandora's box

A situation that, once started, leads to many unforeseen and uncontrollable problems

Example

Opening up that topic could be like opening Pandora's box.

Downhill battle

A situation that becomes increasingly difficult or challenging

Example

Once they lost their star player, it was a downhill battle for the team.

Snowball effect

A situation where something grows or increases rapidly in size or significance

Example

One small mistake led to a snowball effect of problems.

Point of no return

A stage in a process where it becomes impossible to go back or change course

Example

Once they signed the contract, they reached the point of no return.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Slippery slope” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Slippery Slope" is unknown.

Is “Slippery slope” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Slippery Slope" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to warn others about the potential negative consequences of a certain action or decision.

What tone does “Slippery slope” have?

"Slippery Slope" conveys a tone of caution and warning. It's often used to highlight the potential dangers or difficulties that can arise from a particular course of action.

Can “Slippery slope” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Slippery Slope" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of escalating consequences. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Be careful, it's a slippery slope. Once you start, it's hard to stop.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Slippery slope!' to imply the potential dangers of a certain action.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• dangerous path
• escalating consequences
• increasingly difficult situation
• uncontrollable spiral

Antonyms

• safe path
• stable situation
• avoidable consequences
• easy solution