cop out
The phrase 'cop out' originated in the 1940s, likely from 'cop a plea,' and it generally implies evasion or avoidance of responsibility.
Definition
B2General
(informal, negative)To avoid responsibility or commitment by making excuses.
Example
- He copped out of attending the meeting by claiming he was sick.
B2General
(informal, negative)To take the easy way out of a difficult situation.
Example
- She copped out of the project when it became too challenging.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cop out":
duck outcrap outback outweasel outcheap outbail outbomb outbug outcut and runcop offwalk outtap outget outcash outbunk offslip outway outtag outclock outpull outcut cornerswriggle out ofrun out oncheese outcry offflake outrun awayget awayfag outescape hatchescape routewalk awayace outheel outback offmake offsell outrig outcut outstop outback awaypitch outget out ofget away withjump outfob offtrap outsub outdrop outback downstep outbitch outwalk offbat outslack offstay outpull punchespork outcork outcrash outtip outsit outcall it quitspoop outlose outplead outkick outbeef outpunk outpass offpull off