WHEEDLE Meaning and
Definition
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Wheedle is a verb that typically means to persuade or manipulate someone through flattery, charm, or sly and insincere means. It involves using smooth talk and persuasive techniques to coax others into doing something or giving in to one's desires. The word often carries a negative connotation implying that the person using wheedling tactics is being untrustworthy or deceitful in their attempts to achieve their goals.
When someone wheedles, they employ cunning strategies to influence and convince others, often by playing on their emotions, desires, or weaknesses. They may use flattering words, compliments, or promises as a means of achieving their aims. The intention is usually to exploit the individual's vulnerability or gullibility for personal gain.
Wheedling can occur in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, business negotiations, or even political dealings. It can involve subtle manipulation or calculated schemes to take advantage of others. However, it is important to note that wheedling does not necessarily involve overt coercion or force but relies on persuasive tactics instead.
The term is often used to describe behavior that is deemed deceitful or underhanded. It conveys an element of trickery and insincerity, as the wheedler seeks to charm and deceive others rather than engaging in an honest and straightforward manner.
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To persuade by coaxing or flattery; to entice by soft words.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for WHEEDLE
Etymology of WHEEDLE
The word "wheedle" originated in the late 17th century and the specific etymology is uncertain. However, it is believed to have derived from the obsolete word "wheen" which meant "to imitate by soft singing" or "to coax". Another related origin theory is from the German word "wedeln" which means "to wag the tail" or "to fawn". It is also possible that "wheedle" developed from a blend of various dialectal words and influences.
Idioms with the word WHEEDLE
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wheedle away from
The idiom "wheedle away from" refers to the act of persuading or manipulating someone to move or drift away from a particular idea, decision, or course of action through smooth talking, flattery, or cajoling. It implies using charm or cunning to lure someone away from their original stance.
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wheedle sth away from sm
The idiom "wheedle something away from someone" means to persuade or manipulate someone into giving up or surrendering something to you, often through flattery, charm, or cunning tactics. It implies using sweet-talk or clever methods to coax or extract something from another person.
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wheedle sm into sth
The idiom "wheedle someone into something" means to persuade or manipulate someone, usually through flattery or coaxing, in order to get them to agree or do something they may not have originally wanted or intended to do.
Similar spelling words for WHEEDLE
Conjugate verb Wheedle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have wheedled
you
would have wheedled
he/she/it
would have wheedled
we
would have wheedled
they
would have wheedled
I
would have wheedle
you
would have wheedle
he/she/it
would have wheedle
we
would have wheedle
they
would have wheedle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been wheedling
you
would have been wheedling
he/she/it
would have been wheedling
we
would have been wheedling
they
would have been wheedling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would wheedle
you
would wheedle
he/she/it
would wheedle
we
would wheedle
they
would wheedle
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be wheedling
you
would be wheedling
he/she/it
would be wheedling
we
would be wheedling
they
would be wheedling
FUTURE
I
will wheedle
you
will wheedle
he/she/it
will wheedle
we
will wheedle
they
will wheedle
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be wheedling
you
will be wheedling
he/she/it
will be wheedling
we
will be wheedling
they
will be wheedling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have wheedled
you
will have wheedled
he/she/it
will have wheedled
we
will have wheedled
they
will have wheedled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been wheedling
you
will have been wheedling
he/she/it
will have been wheedling
we
will have been wheedling
they
will have been wheedling
IMPERATIVE
you
wheedle
we
let´s wheedle
to wheedle
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was wheedling
you
were wheedling
he/she/it
was wheedling
we
were wheedling
they
were wheedling
PAST PARTICIPLE
wheedled
PAST PERFECT
I
had wheedled
you
had wheedled
he/she/it
had wheedled
we
had wheedled
they
had wheedled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been wheedling
you
had been wheedling
he/she/it
had been wheedling
we
had been wheedling
they
had been wheedling
PRESENT
I
wheedle
you
wheedle
he/she/it
wheedles
we
wheedle
they
wheedle
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am wheedling
you
are wheedling
he/she/it
is wheedling
we
are wheedling
they
are wheedling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
wheedling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have wheedled
you
have wheedled
he/she/it
has wheedled
we
have wheedled
they
have wheedled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been wheedling
you
have been wheedling
he/she/it
has been wheedling
we
have been wheedling
they
have been wheedling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
wheedle
SIMPLE PAST
I
wheedled
you
wheedled
he/she/it
wheedled
we
wheedled
they
wheedled
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