cop out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To get out of doing something you should do by making excuses or being cowardly.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To avoid a difficult situation, decision, or responsibility by making excuses or taking the easy way out.
"She copped out of giving a straight answer by changing the subject."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
(Noun: cop-out) An excuse used to avoid responsibility, or an easy but inadequate solution.
"Saying you were 'too busy' is a cop-out — you just didn't want to help."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Almost always used negatively. 'Cop-out' (noun) is very common — 'That's a total cop-out' means someone's excuse is weak or dishonest. The verb form is also frequently used. Common in both British and American English.
Commonly used with
responsibility decision excuse commitment challenge answer
Forms
Base
cop out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cops out
he/she/it
Past simple
coped out
yesterday
Past participle
coped out
have + pp
-ing form
coping out
continuous
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Synonyms
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