artful dodger
The term "artful dodger" originates from Charles Dickens' novel *Oliver Twist*, where it refers to a cunning pickpocket named Jack Dawkins.
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Definition
C1General
(informal, idiomatic)A person who cleverly avoids responsibilities or duties.
Example
- He was an artful dodger, always finding ways to skip chores.
C1General
(informal, idiomatic)Someone who uses cunning or deceit to evade rules or obligations.
Example
- She became an artful dodger to avoid paying taxes.
C1Literature
(literary, historical)A character in literature known for their skill in evading detection or capture through clever maneuvers.
Example
- The Artful Dodger in *Oliver Twist* is a classic example of a character who evades capture.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "artful dodger":