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."
inseparable
cop out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To avoid a responsibility, difficult decision, or commitment in a cowardly or lazy way, often by making excuses.
In plain English
To get out of doing something you should do by making excuses or being cowardly.
What does "cop out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cop out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
responsibility decision excuse commitment challenge answer
How to conjugate "cop out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cop out" in the wild
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