go easy on (someone or something)

go easy on (someone or something)

1. To be lenient with someone, especially after they've done something that could justify a punishment or scolding. Go easy on your little brother, will you? He didn't mean to break the window. I only lost by six points, but I think he was going easy on me since he's so much better.2. To use only a small amount of something. Hey, go easy on the ketchup—there's not much left.See also: easy, go, on

go easy on someone or something

to be gentle on someone or something; not to be too critical of someone or something; to take it easy on someone or something. (See also something">go easy on something.) Go easy on Sherri. She's my friend. Try to go easy on criticizing their report. They did the best they could in the time allotted.See also: easy, go, on

go easy on something

to use something sparingly. (See also something">take it easy on something; someone or something">go easy on someone or something.) Go easy on the mustard. That's all there is. Please go easy on the onions. I don't like them very much.See also: easy, go, on

go easy on someone

If you tell someone to go easy on another person, you are telling them not to punish or treat that person severely. Note: In the first idiom below, ABC is pronounced `a b c', as if you are spelling it out. Go easy on her, Michael. She's having a hard time as it is.See also: easy, go, on, someone

go easy on something

If you tell someone to go easy on something, you are warning them not to have or use too much of it, because you think that it is bad for them. Note: In the first idiom below, ABC is pronounced `a b c', as if you are spelling it out. Small meals at regular times are important. Go easy on the salt and don't add extra sugar.See also: easy, go, on, something

go (or be) easy on someone

be less harsh on or critical of someone. informalSee also: easy, go, on, someone

go easy on (or with) something

be sparing or cautious in your use or consumption of something. informalSee also: easy, go, on, something

go ˈeasy on somebody

(informal) not be too strict with somebody, especially when they have done something wrong: Go easy on the child, she didn’t mean to break the window.See also: easy, go, on, somebody

go ˈeasy on something

do not use too much of something, speak too much about something, etc: Go easy on the spices. I don’t like very hot curry. ♢ When you’re talking to Jim, go easy on the subject of marriage — his wife’s just left him.See also: easy, go, on, something