cheap cop out for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap cop out for" is not a grammatically correct part of a sentence.
However, if you rearrange the words to "cop out for cheap," it becomes a valid phrase. This phrase means to avoid taking responsibility or making an effort, usually by finding a cheap or easy way out. Example: His attempt to blame his mistakes on his lack of resources was just a cheap cop out for his own laziness and lack of effort.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Well, I think it is a cheap cop-out for the natural elites of these foreign nations to leave their countries and come to an already developed country instead of developing their own country.

Vice

To ascribe any sort of behavior to media is a cop out for the pundits and for the aggressor.

TechCrunch

So blended learning is not a cheap option or a cop-out for reluctant academics, but should only be used to improve the quality and effectiveness of students' learning experiences".

The Guardian

But it also offers a cop-out for the politicians.

The Economist

"To claim that we were tired is a cop-out, for sure".

The New York Times - Sports

"In some ways [luck] is a cop-out for not thinking hard enough about things.

The Guardian - Business

James Farmer, head of the Congress of Racial Equality, denounced the report as a "massive cop-out for the white conscience".

The New York Times

Cop-out for developing a killer user interface?

TechCrunch

I don't mean for that to sound like a cop out — it's absolutely true.

The New York Times

The cop out is a cop out.

The Guardian - Sport

COP OUT Opens on Friday nationwide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reframe your sentence using grammatically correct alternatives like "taking the easy way out" or "evading responsibility" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using the ungrammatical phrase "cheap cop out for" in formal writing. This phrase is incorrect and can reduce your credibility. Instead, use more appropriate and grammatically sound alternatives to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap cop out for" is grammatically non-standard and doesn't function as a recognized grammatical unit. It appears to attempt to describe an action that avoids responsibility in a facile or inadequate way. As Ludwig AI points out, the construction is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cheap cop out for" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI reports, this phrase does not form a grammatically correct sentence. While its intended meaning – to describe an inadequate attempt to evade responsibility – might be understood in informal settings, it lacks the precision and clarity required for professional communication. Instead, consider using grammatically correct alternatives such as "taking the easy way out", "shirking responsibility", or "evading accountability" to convey your message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking the easy way out

Concentrates on choosing the simplest solution, which may not always involve avoiding responsibility.

passing the buck

Involves shifting responsibility to someone else, a specific type of avoidance.

shirking responsibility

Highlights the neglect of duty or obligation, rather than the means of avoidance.

finding a shortcut

Implies taking a faster, easier route, which might not always involve avoiding responsibility but doing something quicker.

ducking the blame

Specifically refers to avoiding being blamed for something, not just general responsibility.

evading accountability

Focuses on the act of avoiding responsibility without necessarily implying a cheap or easy method.

neglecting duties

Highlights the failure to perform required tasks, without specifying the method of avoidance.

dodging the issue

Emphasizes avoidance of a problem or topic, not necessarily through a cheap method.

circumventing the rules

Focuses on avoiding rules or regulations, not necessarily responsibility in general.

compromising integrity for convenience

Adds the aspect of sacrificing ethical standards for an easier path.

FAQs

What does it mean to take a "cop out"?

Taking a "cop out" means avoiding responsibility or effort by choosing the easiest or most convenient option, often implying a lack of genuine commitment or a desire to evade consequences. Consider alternatives like "evading accountability" to express the same idea.

How can I rephrase "cheap cop out for" to be grammatically correct?

The phrase "cheap cop out for" is grammatically incorrect. Rephrase it as "taking the easy way out" or "evading responsibility" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.

What's a more formal way to say someone is using a "cop out"?

In a more formal context, you could say someone is "shirking responsibility" or "attempting to circumvent the issue". These phrases convey the same meaning with greater sophistication.

Is it ever acceptable to use "cheap cop out for" in writing?

While it might be understood in very informal conversation, it's best to avoid "cheap cop out for" in writing. Opt for grammatically correct and more precise language like "taking the easy way out" or "dodging the issue" to ensure your message is clear and professional.