🎣 Slippery as an Eel: Elusive Expressions and Hidden Truths 🐟
Definition:
Slippery as an eel: Hard to grasp; elusive, and, by extension, deceitful.
Origins:
The eel’s long slender body, with only minute scales deeply embedded in the skin, looks totally smooth and is very slippery when wet. These characteristics gave rise to the simile, which dates from the fourteenth century and is still used today.
Related Terms & Similar Expressions:
- Slip through one’s fingers: To escape or be lost. Just like trying to hold a limber, wriggling eel!
- Slippery slope: A situation that is hard to control and could become dangerous very quickly. No eels involved, thankfully!
- Like a greased pig: Just as uncatchable. Add mud, and you’re in for a fun chase!
- Catch as catch can: Any way you can grab it!
Synonyms:
- Elusive
- Evasive
- Uncatchable
- Slippery
Antonyms:
- Trustworthy
- Dependable
- Reliable
- Steadfast
Inspirational Quotes:
- “He is as slippery as an eel; you cannot pin anything on him.” - Anonymously Skilled Complainer
- “In the game of deceit, truth is as slippery as an eel.” - W. T. Wittywords
Proverbs:
- “A small leak will sink a great ship.” - As elusive and dangerous as a small eel in murky waters.
- “A smart person knows how to solve problems, but a wise one knows how to avoid them.” - Eels often avoid being caught!
References in Popular Culture:
- Literature: The eels in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit might be somewhat metaphorical, but their elusive nature sure fits Smaug’s treasure hoarding!
- Songs: Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock” (although more about endurance, it contrasts nicely with eely slipperiness).
- Movies: Catch Me If You Can - Leonardo DiCaprio slips out of the hands of authorities like a true eel.
- Poetry: Sylvia Plath’s “Ariel” has nothing to do with eels, but its elusive themes resonate.
📖 Books & More:
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: The ultimate tale of chasing the uncatchable.
- The Number of the Goat by Frederick Shuebuck: Filled with tricky, elusive characters.
- Running with the Elusive Ones: A study in being chased and never caught.
Intriguing and Easy to Grasp Quiz! 🎉
### Which of these characters could be described as 'slippery as an eel'?
- [ ] Clark Kent
- [x] Loki
- [ ] Atticus Finch
- [ ] Hermione Granger
> **Explanation:** Loki, the Norse trickster god and a character from Marvel comics and movies, is well-known for his deceitful and elusive nature.
### Which phrase means 'hard to catch or elusive'?
- [x] Slippery as an eel
- [ ] Solid as a rock
- [ ] Down to earth
- [ ] Straightforward
> **Explanation:** "Slippery as an eel" describes something or someone that is hard to catch or grasp, much like an actual slippery eel.
### True or False: Eels are easy to hold onto when wet.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! Eels are notoriously slippery when wet, making them very hard to hold onto.
So, next time you face something tricky and elusive, just remember, it’s as slippery as an eel. Stay vigilant, and may your grasp be stronger than the slipperiest of underwater creatures.
With curiosity & wit, W. T. Wittywords
Published: October 2, 2023
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