Worm your way into
verb
To gradually achieve a position or situation, usually by being careful and patient.
She slowly managed to worm her way into the company and became a director within two years.
Often appears as...
- worm your way into someone's heart
- worm your way into a job
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To subtly influence someone's thoughts or feelings, usually in your favor.
He managed to worm his way into her affections with his charm and kindness.
Often appears as...
- worm your way into her heart
- worm your way into his trust
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To gradually achieve a position or situation, usually by being careful and patient.
She slowly managed to worm her way into the company and became a director within two years.
Often appears as...
- worm your way into someone's heart
- worm your way into a job
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To subtly influence someone's thoughts or feelings, usually in your favor.
He managed to worm his way into her affections with his charm and kindness.
Often appears as...
- worm your way into her heart
- worm your way into his trust
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Patience Required
This phrase suggests a slow, gradual process, not something that happens quickly.
He didn't get the role immediately but wormed his way into the cast over several months.
Pro Tip 2/3Stealth Involved
To 'worm your way into' implies moving into something unnoticed, like a worm burrows unseen.
Alex wormed his way into the exclusive club by befriending members one by one.
Pro Tip 3/3Sometimes Negative
The phrase can have a negative connotation, implying manipulation or deceit.
She didn't trust him, thinking he had wormed his way into the position.
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