a slippery slope

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slippery slope" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a situation where a relatively small first step leads to a chain of related events culminating in significant consequences. For example, "If we allow students to redo tests, soon they will expect to retake every assignment." Alternative expressions include "a chain reaction" and "a domino effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Slippery Slope?

Columbia University

This is a slippery slope.

The New York Times

Freedom is a slippery slope.

The New York Times - Magazine

Showbiz is a slippery slope.

Independent

But it's a slippery slope.

The New York Times - Arts

"But that's a slippery slope.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"A slippery slope for all the parties".

The New York Times

"It's a slippery slope," he said.

The New York Times

However, anosognosia is a slippery slope.

The New York Times

Obama has started down a slippery slope.

BBC

I say this creates a slippery slope.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slippery slope" when you want to argue against a course of action by suggesting it will inevitably lead to undesirable consequences. Be sure to provide evidence or reasoning to support the connection between the initial action and the predicted outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a slippery slope" as a scare tactic without demonstrating a clear and logical connection between the initial step and the predicted outcome. Overusing the phrase without justification weakens your argument.

How to use

Learn how to use "a slippery slope" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slippery slope" functions as an idiomatic noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a situation where an initial action or decision is believed to lead inevitably to a series of negative consequences. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used in arguments against specific policies or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slippery slope" is a common and effective idiom used to express concern that a seemingly small or insignificant action will lead to a series of increasingly negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide logical reasoning and evidence to support the connection between the initial action and the predicted outcomes, avoiding the trap of using it as a mere scare tactic. Related phrases such as "domino effect" or "thin end of the wedge" offer alternative ways to convey similar ideas, but with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thin end of the wedge

Emphasizes the initial action as seemingly small but opening the way for larger, undesirable changes.

domino effect

Highlights the chain reaction where one event triggers a series of similar events.

snowball effect

Focuses on the accelerating growth of consequences from a small beginning.

chain reaction

Similar to domino effect, stressing the sequential and interconnected nature of events.

dangerous path

Implies risk and potential harm in following a particular course of action.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential for negative outcomes in a given circumstance.

slippery ground

Suggests a lack of firm footing and the risk of making errors or facing unforeseen problems.

descending spiral

Emphasizes a continuous decline or worsening of a situation.

downward trajectory

Focuses on the negative direction or course that something is taking.

point of no return

Indicates a stage where it's impossible to go back or reverse the consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "a slippery slope" in a sentence?

You can use "a slippery slope" to argue that a seemingly harmless action will lead to a series of increasingly negative consequences. For example, "Allowing phones in classrooms could be "a slippery slope", eventually leading to distractions and decreased learning."

What's an alternative to using the phrase "a slippery slope"?

Alternatives include "domino effect", "thin end of the wedge", or "chain reaction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is the "a slippery slope" argument a logical fallacy?

Yes, it can be a logical fallacy if the negative consequences are not logically connected to the initial action. To avoid the fallacy, clearly explain the causal links between each step in the chain of events.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a slippery slope"?

It's appropriate when you can convincingly demonstrate that an initial decision or action will likely trigger a series of related, undesirable outcomes. The key is to provide strong evidence and logical reasoning to support your claim.