PhrasesHub

slippery slope

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • potential danger
        Highlight the potential risks or negative consequences of a certain action, emphasizing that it could lead to a chain of unfortunate events

    Examples of slippery slope

    • If we legalize marijuana, then why not other hard drugs like cocaine and heroin? It's a slippery slope towards widespread drug addiction and crime.

      This is an example of how the "slippery slope" idiom is used when discussing a potential negative outcome. The idea is that if we allow one action or decision, it might lead to more negative outcomes, much like standing on a slope covered in ice or water, where the first step may make it more difficult to remain stable. In this case, giving in to legalizing marijuana may lead to more dangerous drugs being allowed, which can result in a higher incidence of drug addiction and related crimes.

    • If we don't invest enough in education, then our students will fall behind other nations, and our economy will suffer. It's a slippery slope towards economic decline and loss of global competitiveness.

      Here, we see the idiom being used in a business context. If we neglect education, students may not receive the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their future careers, causing a decline in productivity and overall economic growth. It's a slippery slope leading to economic failure if we do not prioritize investing in education.

    • If we lower taxes for the wealthy, then the middle class will become resentful, and the gap between rich and poor will widen. It's a slippery slope towards social unrest and inequality.

      This is an illustration of how the idiom can be used when discussing social issues. Lowering taxes for the wealthy can result in resentment from the middle class, who may feel like they are subsidizing rich people's lifestyles. This can lead to social unrest and further widening of the income gap.

    • If we allow people to work from home, then they may become too comfortable with their newfound freedom and become less productive. It's a slippery slope towards decreased job satisfaction and performance.

      Here we see how the "slippery slope" idiom can be used in a workplace setting. While working from home can increase job satisfaction and productivity, it's possible for employees to become too comfortable and complacent. This can lead to decreased performance and job satisfaction, which is a downward spiral we want to avoid.

    • The recent decision by the government to reduce taxes could lead to a slippery slope of increasing debt and deficits, as other expenses may also be overlooked in the name of tax savings.

      The phrase "slippery slope" refers to a situation where taking a first step leads to a series of subsequent, negative consequences that are difficult to stop. In this example, the government's decision to reduce taxes could lead to a slippery slope of increasing debt and deficits, as other expenses may also be overlooked in the name of tax savings. This could result in a domino effect that is hard to reverse, and could have unintended and negative consequences.

    • Some people argue that the legalization of same-sex marriage leads to a slippery slope of redefining traditional family values and undermining the institution of marriage itself.

      The use of "slippery slope" in this example implies that by recognizing same-sex marriages, it could lead to a series of subsequent challenges to traditional family values, which could ultimately undermine the institution of marriage as a whole. This argument suggests that the recognition of same-sex marriage could lead to a slippery slope of social and cultural changes that are difficult to stop or reverse.

    • Advocates for stricter gun control laws argue that the current lax laws are leading us down a slippery slope towards increased violence and crime.

      The use of "slippery slope" in this example implies that by continuing with lax gun control laws, it could lead to a series of subsequent increases in violence and crime. This argument suggests that the current lax gun control laws could lead to a slippery slope of social and cultural changes that are difficult to stop or reverse, ultimately resulting in increased violence and crime.

    • Some people argue that increasing the drinking age to 25 could lead to a slippery slope of prohibition and a return to the days of speakeasies.

      The use of "slippery slope" in this example implies that by increasing the drinking age to 25, it could lead to a series of subsequent prohibition-like consequences. This argument suggests that increasing the drinking age could lead to a slippery slope of social and cultural changes that are difficult to stop or reverse, ultimately resulting in a return to the days of speakeasies. This example illustrates the use of "slippery slope" in a creative and unexpected context.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "slippery slope" is often used to warn against a course of action that could lead to negative outcomes or consequences. It is typically used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task by cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. Additionally, it is used to highlight the potential risks or negative consequences of a certain action, emphasizing that it could lead to a chain of unfortunate events.

    Origin of "slippery slope"

    The origin of the idiom "slippery slope" can be traced back to the field of logic and argumentation. It is often used in discussions about ethics and morality, where it is employed to illustrate the idea that one action or decision could lead to a series of increasingly negative or dangerous outcomes. The imagery of a slippery slope, where one misstep could result in a rapid descent, effectively captures the concept of a small initial action leading to a chain of undesirable consequences. Over time, the idiom has become a widely recognized phrase in English, used in both formal and informal contexts to warn against potential dangers or negative outcomes. Its origins in the realm of logic and argumentation have contributed to its enduring use as a cautionary phrase.