slope (redirected from slopingly)

a slippery slope

a situation or habit that is likely to lead to a worse situation or habit. If you let kids stay up late a few nights you're on a slippery slope. My advice is to keep away from all drugs. It's a slippery slope.

See also: slippery

---

on a slippery slope

in a situation that is likely to become more difficult or complicated. We started arguing, and then we got on the slippery slope of what's fair and what's not fair. So far, we have taken only the first few steps toward a society in which different people would have different rights, but we are on a slippery slope.

Usage notes: sometimes used without on: Where does this slippery slope end?

See also: slippery