cop out

USAGE SUMMARY

"cop out" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone avoids tackling or addressing an issue or problem. For example, "He was always looking for a way to cop out of difficult tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The cop out is a cop out.

The Guardian - Sport

COP OUT Opens on Friday nationwide.

The New York Times

"Cop out," Kearney shouted, chuckling.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That's such a cop out!" Patterson retorted.

The New Yorker

That's a cop out.

The Guardian - Opinion

That feels like a cop out.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Probably a cop-out.

Independent

This was a cop-out.

The New York Times

This is a cop-out.

The Economist

(massive cop-out klaxon).

The Guardian - Opinion

This cop-out simply won't do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cop out" when you want to express disapproval or criticism of someone's avoidance of responsibility. Avoid using it in formal contexts where a more neutral term like "avoid" or "decline" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "cop out" in formal or academic writing. It carries a negative connotation and is generally considered too informal for such contexts. Opt for more professional alternatives like "avoid responsibility" or "fail to fulfill obligations".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cop out" functions as a predicate, expressing an action of avoidance or shirking responsibility. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a common expression, as seen in various examples across news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cop out" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of avoiding responsibility or a difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its common usage across various media outlets. However, due to its informal nature, it's best to avoid using "cop out" in formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "shirk responsibility" or "evade the issue" may be more appropriate in those contexts. Understanding the nuance and register of this phrase will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shirk responsibility

Focuses on avoiding the burden of responsibility.

evade the issue

Highlights the act of avoiding a specific problem or topic.

dodge the bullet

Emphasizes narrowly escaping a difficult situation or obligation.

pass the buck

Indicates shifting responsibility to someone else.

take the easy way out

Suggests choosing the simplest solution, often avoiding effort or confrontation.

beg off

Implies politely declining a request or invitation, often to avoid commitment.

offer a flimsy excuse

Stresses the weakness or inadequacy of the justification provided.

give a lame excuse

Emphasizes the poor quality and unconvincing nature of the reason given.

weasel out of

Suggests using deceit or trickery to avoid doing something.

shrink from duty

Focuses on failing to fulfill one's obligations or responsibilities.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cop out"?

To "cop out" means to avoid responsibility or a difficult situation, often by making excuses or failing to fulfill an obligation.

How can I use "cop out" in a sentence?

You might say, "He decided to "cop out" of the project at the last minute, leaving the rest of the team to finish it."

What are some alternatives to "cop out"?

You can use alternatives like "shirk responsibility", "evade the issue", or "take the easy way out" depending on the context.

Is "cop out" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "cop out" is generally considered informal and should be avoided in formal or academic writing. More professional alternatives are preferable.