C2idiompoliticsIELTS-friendly
the thin end of the wedge
USUK
a small change that may lead to much bigger, unwelcome changes
British. American English prefers 'a slippery slope'. Used to argue against a change.
In context
Critics say the new camera rules are the thin end of the wedge for state surveillance.
Some see the small entrance fee for museums as the thin end of the wedge.
More idioms about politics
- a double standarda rule applied more strictly to one group than to another
- a grey areaa situation where the rules are unclear, so nobody is sure what is allowed
- a hidden agendaa secret reason or plan behind what someone says or does
- a hot potatoa difficult issue that people disagree about and nobody wants to deal with
- a lame ducka politician or government with little real power, often near the end of a term in office