weasel words

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Related to weasel words: Weasel family

weasel words

pl n

informal intentionally evasive or misleading speech; equivocation

[C20: alluding to the weasel's supposed ability to suck an egg out of its shell without seeming to break the shell]

ˈweasel-ˌworded adj

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

Translations

weasel words

pl (inf) → Ausweichmanöver pl

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

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References in periodicals archive ?

Weasel words indeed, when on the actual day of the announcement the entire wind industry was on holiday and unable to supply the National Grid with 2%!

Blowing their own trumpet or hot air? Letters to the editor Write to: Letters to the editor, The Press and Journal, 1 Marischal Square, Broad Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1BL. email: pj.letters@ajl.co.uk All letters are subject to editing and must include your full address and daytime telephone number for verification. Thank you

But instead of a binding guarantee, all she has offered is yet more weasel words.

We cannot trust May with rights

The Labour in Wales Welsh Labour government have run out of old tired excuses and tired soft weasel words to hide their failure.

Rail problem needs a political solution

I'll take the word of an experienced accountant, working in the real world, rather than the weasel words of a political spin doctor any day.

Vanity projects a waste of money

Well sorry, but I'll take the word of an experienced accountant, working in the real world, than the weasel words of a political spin doctor any day.

Weasel words and spin; Letters

All we have heard was soundbites and weasel words in an attempt to excuse the problems.

Authorities need to get tough on gangs

This reminds me of what Australian lawyer Julian Burnside meant when he wrote about 'weasel words,' examples of which are 'safe sex,' 'therapeutic abortions,' 'reproductive rights,' 'compassionate release' (for euthanasia), 'enhanced interrogation techniques' (for torture), etc.

'Murder,' not EJK

Weasel words. And a really zealous bounty-hunter can earn as much as PS997 over the basic rate.

WHAT A FINE MESS ..

Weasel words, George, though weasels aren't involved.

Cracking the whip

These weasel words are scant consolation for those whose lives were destroyed by his arrogance.

Blair's legacy; RECORD VieW

What must also be absorbed is that the country is sick to its stomach with spin and weasel words. The national mood is for politicians guided by principle but who will address the country's real problems with straight talking and direct action.