The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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wheedle

verb

/ˈwid l/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of wheedle

To use flattery, coaxing, or cunning persuasion in order to convince someone to do something.
"He tried to wheedle his way out of getting a speeding ticket."

Detailed meaning of wheedle

When someone wheedles, they are typically trying to get their way in a situation by using charm or clever talk to influence others. For example, a child might wheedle their parents into letting them stay up late by promising to do extra chores the next day. Similarly, a salesperson might try to wheedle a customer into buying a product by highlighting its positive features and downplaying any potential negatives. In general, the act of wheedling can be seen as a form of manipulation, and it may be viewed as either harmless or underhanded depending on the context in which it occurs.

Example sentences containing wheedle

1. She can wheedle anyone into helping her with a smile.
2. He tried to wheedle extra dessert out of his mom.
3. The salesman attempted to wheedle a discount from the store.
4. They often wheedle their way into exclusive events.
5. She knows how to wheedle information out of people.
6. The child tried to wheedle a later bedtime from their parents.

History and etymology of wheedle

The verb 'wheedle' has its etymological origins in Middle English and is believed to have been influenced by the Old English word 'hwǣdl,' which meant 'to deceive' or 'to entice.' Over time, it evolved to describe the act of using flattery, coaxing, or cunning persuasion to convince someone to do something. The word's history suggests a connection to the idea of luring or enticing someone through subtle and often insincere means. This sense of beguilement and sweet-talk is at the heart of 'wheedle,' which captures the art of manipulating others through charm and persuasion.

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Further usage examples of wheedle

1. He can wheedle his boss into giving him more time off.
2. The journalist knows how to wheedle a good story from sources.
3. She could wheedle the truth out of even the most secretive individuals.
4. They wheedled their professor into postponing the exam.
5. He managed to wheedle a raise out of his tight-fisted employer.
6. She can wheedle her friends into lending her money.
7. The politician tried to wheedle support from undecided voters.
8. They wheedled their way into the VIP section of the concert.
9. She often tries to wheedle compliments from her peers.
10. He can wheedle his way out of almost any predicament.
11. The actor knows how to wheedle applause from the audience.
12. The student attempted to wheedle an extension for the project.
13. She can wheedle favors from people with her charm.
14. They tried to wheedle a free upgrade from the airline.
15. She wheedled her parents into letting her borrow the car for the weekend.
16. The salesman tried to wheedle me into buying a more expensive product.
17. He wheedled his boss into giving him a raise.
18. She tried to wheedle her way into the exclusive club, but was denied.
19. The child wheedled his way into getting a second dessert.
20. He wheedled his wife into going on vacation with him.
21. She wheedled her friend into loaning her some money.
22. The politician tried to wheedle votes from the crowd by promising tax breaks.
23. The con artist wheedled his way into the elderly woman's trust and stole her life savings.
24. The student tried to wheedle an extension on the deadline for the term paper.
25. The employee wheedled his way into getting the promotion over his more qualified colleagues.