Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

slippery-slope

noun

ˈslɪpəri sloʊp

Definition

A slippery slope is a logical fallacy that suggests taking a minor action will lead to significant and often negative consequences without providing evidence for such a progression.

Examples

Deciding to cut funding for education could be a slippery slope, leading to further reductions in essential services.
The politician argued that legalizing recreational marijuana could create a slippery slope toward legalizing all drugs.
Many believe that allowing one small exception in policy can lead to a slippery slope of violations.

Meaning

The term refers to a situation where a relatively small first step leads to a chain of related events culminating in some significant effect, often used to warn against starting down a dubious path.