- A course of action or a situation that seems small or acceptable now but is likely to lead incrementally to a series of undesirable, negative, or disastrous consequences.
- The argument suggests that taking the first step will make it impossible or much harder to stop the progression towards the negative outcome.
Explanation
Origin
- Evokes the literal image of stepping onto a slippery incline, making it hard not to slide all the way down.
- Used as a concept in logic and rhetoric (the slippery slope fallacy) to critique arguments suggesting an inevitable chain reaction without sufficient proof.
- Metaphorically used in general conversation to express caution about potential unintended negative consequences.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Asking for trouble
- Playing with fire
- Opening a can of worms (releasing complicated problems)
- Starting down a bad road
Milder/Standard:
- Could lead to unintended consequences
- Potential for negative escalation
- Sets a risky precedent
- Could get out of hand
Situational Appropriateness
- Used in both informal and formal discussions, debates, and warnings.
- Can be a powerful rhetorical device but be aware it can also be perceived as a logical fallacy if the chain of consequences isn't well-argued.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might not grasp the implied inevitable progression towards negative outcomes from a seemingly small beginning. Explain the chain-reaction idea.
Examples
- Allowing employees to miss deadlines occasionally could be a slippery slope to a complete lack of accountability.
- Some people worry that censoring offensive jokes is a slippery slope towards restricting all forms of free speech.
- He started with just one cheat meal, but it became a slippery slope back into unhealthy eating habits.
Dialogue
Council Member A: Maybe we can allow just a few street vendors in this historic district? It could add some vibrancy.
Council Member B: I'm concerned that's a slippery slope. If we allow a few, how do we justify refusing others? Soon the whole area could be overrun and lose its character.
Council Member A: Hmm, that's a valid concern. We'd need very strict regulations if we went down that path.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Argument that banning assault weapons is a slippery slope to banning all guns is a common debate point. #politics #guncontrol
- Blog Comment: Letting my kid skip chores 'just this once' felt like the start of a slippery slope. Gotta stay consistent! #parenting
- Reddit Thread Title: Is academic grade inflation a slippery slope leading to devalued degrees?
Response Patterns
- I see your point, we need to be careful.
- That's a bit alarmist / dramatic, don't you think?
- Why do you think it will inevitably lead to that?
- What specific consequences are you worried about?
- Agreement, disagreement, or requests for justification are common.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone warns of a slippery slope:
- What makes you think it's a slippery slope?
- What's the potential chain of events?
- How can we prevent that negative outcome if we take the first step?
- Is there a clear line we can draw?
- Action: Discussing potential safeguards or boundaries.
- Action: Reconsidering the initial action or decision.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used within a discussion or debate about the potential consequences of an action or policy.
Intonation
- Stress typically on SLIPPERY and SLOPE.
- Often said with a cautionary, concerned, or warning tone.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations, particularly in discussions about policy, ethics, or personal behavior.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions. Thin end of the wedge is a common British/Commonwealth alternative.