wriggle

This word evokes a sense of restlessness or slippery movement. In a physical sense, it describes small, undulating motions often associated with insects or children who cannot sit still. It carries a connotation of agility or instability, suggesting a lack of rigidity.

When used figuratively, the word shifts toward a sense of cunning or dishonesty. It describes the act of avoiding a responsibility or a trap not through force, but through subtle, deceptive maneuvering. This usage is typically negative, implying that the person is trying to bypass a fair obligation.