artful dodger

== English == === Alternative forms === Artful Dodger === Etymology === From the nickname of a skillful young pickpocket and rascal in Oliver Twist (1838) by Charles Dickens. === Pronunciation === === Noun === artful dodger (plural artful dodgers) (idiomatic) A crafty person who commits minor crimes or behaves in a rather unscrupulous manner. Synonyms: rapscallion, slyboots, trickster (set phrase) One who deftly evades obstacles, pursuers, inconveniences, or other difficulties. Synonyms: eluder, evader === References ===