take the easy way out

take the easy way out

To choose or find a solution or means of dealing with a situation or problem that requires the least amount of effort or hardship, but which does not achieve the best results or meaningfully resolve the issue. Rather than confronting her about the issue, John took the easy way out and promptly began to ignore her instead. Companies looking to take the easy way out of dealing with workplace disputes are about to come up against much stricter regulations this spring.See also: easy, out, take, way

take the easy way out

to get free of something by taking the path of least resistance. You can depend on Kelly to take the easy way out of a tough situation. I'm not the type that takes the easy way out.See also: easy, out, take, way

take the easy way out

If someone takes the easy way out, they do what is easiest for them in a difficult situation, rather than dealing with it properly. As soon as things got difficult he took the easy way out. She almost wished she had taken the easy way out and stayed in Cape Town. Note: People also just say the easy way out to mean an action that is easy. It is the easy way out to blame others for our failure.See also: easy, out, take, way

take the easy way out

1 extricate yourself from a difficult situation by choosing a course of action offering the least effort, worry, or inconvenience, even though a more honourable alternative exists. 2 commit suicide. euphemisticSee also: easy, out, take, way

take the easy way ˈout

end a difficult situation by choosing the simplest solution, even if it is not the best one: Rather than trying to save his business, he took the easy way out and declared himself bankrupt.See also: easy, out, take, way