(on)a slippery slope
Meaning(s)
1. a bad situation that if not changed, will only continue to get worse
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
someone is on a slippery slope to a life of crime
Analysis
A 'slippery slope' is an action or decision that will probably make things worse or which is likely to lead to something dangerous or unwanted. A slope moves downhill, so the implication here is that the decision or action will lead to someone's downfall. This is an informal idiomatic expression.
Social Examples (Advance)
- Many people in the country are worried that if their government's new reforms are all passed, their country will be on a slippery slope to ruin.
- I'm worried about Peter. If he doesn't change his ways, he will be on a slippery slope to a life of crime.
- Borrowing money when you are young can set you on a slippery slope to debt when you are older.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- In my performance review, my manager said that I was on a slippery slope and needed to turn things around quickly if I wanted to keep my job.
- By providing free snacks and sedentary jobs, some companies set their employees up on a slippery slope to obesity.
- I think giving in to their request will be a slippery slope. They will expect us to give them everything they ask for.