As slippery as an eel
Meaning
Someone who is as slippery as an eel is elusive, difficult to catch, or adept at evading responsibility or capture.
Origin
Eels, long prized as food in many cultures, are notoriously difficult to handle, thanks to the thick, protective layer of mucus covering their bodies. This natural lubrication allows them to wriggle, contort, and slip from the tightest grip with surprising ease. For centuries, fishermen have battled with their elusive nature, often recounting the sheer frustration of a captured eel twisting free and disappearing back into the water. This visceral experience of an eel's almost impossible slipperiness directly inspired the phrase, which became a universally understood metaphor for anyone or anything equally hard to grasp, control, or pin down.
Examples
- The politician was as slippery as an eel, always managing to sidestep direct questions about the scandal.
- Despite their best efforts, the police found the suspect as slippery as an eel, disappearing just when they thought they had him cornered.