soslayar

to avoid

soslayar(sohs-lah-yahr)

transitive verb

1. (to elude)

a. to avoid

Intenté soslayar las preguntas indiscretas de Marta diciéndole que era una cotilla.

I tried to avoid Marta's indiscreet questions by telling her she was a gossip.

El juez le ordenó al testigo que dejara de soslayar las preguntas del fiscal.

The judge ordered the witness to stop avoiding the prosecutor's questions.

b. to dodge

Tus padres no dejarán que soslayes sus preguntas. Tendrás que contestar.

Your parents will not let you dodge their questions. You will have to answer.

c. to sidestep

No puedo soslayar mis dudas respecto a si hago bien tomando esta decisión.

I cannot sidestep my doubts regarding whether or not this is the right decision.

d. to get around

(United States)

Los estudiantes han de enfrentarse a las dificultades, no tratar de soslayarlas.

Students need to face their difficulties, not try to get around them.

e. to get round

(United Kingdom)

Si sigues soslayando las situaciones emocionalmente difíciles, nunca madurarás.

If you keep getting round the emotionally difficult situations, you will never mature.

2. (to turn sideways)

a. to place obliquely

El escultor soslayó su obra de forma que le diera la luz desde el costado.

The sculptor placed his work obliquely so the light would come from the side.

b. to put sideways

Tendrás que soslayar la maleta para que entre en la taquilla.

You will have to put your suitcase sideways if you want it to fit in the locker.