IdiomNature
English
Englisha slippery slope
Meaning: A small step that leads to worse and worse consequences.
Example: “Checking work emails on vacation is a slippery slope.”
Origin: Once one starts sliding down a slippery hill, one cannot stop. It is used for this kind of argument from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Mettre le doigt dans l'engrenage Literally: To put one's finger in the gears
More English idioms
- snug as a bug in a rug Very warm and comfortable.
- breathe down someone's neck To watch someone too closely, or to be close behind them.
- champ at the bit To be impatient to start.
- at cross purposes To misunderstand each other or work toward conflicting goals.
- a Bible thumper A person who is aggressively or tiresomely religious.
- walk into the lion's den To go deliberately into a dangerous or hostile place.
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