cop out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (intransitive): * To avoid or withdraw from a responsibility, commitment, or difficult situation, especially in a weak or cowardly manner. It implies a failure to follow through on something one was expected or obligated to do.
Usage
This verb is informal and often carries a negative, judgmental connotation. It describes the act of finding an excuse or a way to escape a duty or challenge. It is typically used in the structure: to cop out (of something).
Examples
- He promised to help organize the event, but he copped out at the last minute.
- Don't cop out of your responsibilities just because the task seems difficult.
- She was supposed to confront her manager about the issue, but she copped out and sent an email instead.
Advanced Usage
- "Cop-out" (noun): The act of copping out, or the excuse used to avoid something. This is a related but distinct word form.
- Saying you're "too busy" is just a cop-out; we all know you don't want to do it.
Variants and Related Words
- Cop-out (n): As defined above, the act or the excuse itself.
- To back out (phrasal verb): A close synonym meaning to withdraw from a commitment.
Synonyms
- Back out
- Weasel out
- Chicken out (more informal)
- Shirk
- Withdraw
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Cop out of (something): To avoid a specific thing.
- He tried to cop out of the debate by claiming he was sick.
Related Idioms
- To get cold feet: To suddenly become too frightened to do something you had planned to do, often leading to copping out.
- He got cold feet and copped out of the bungee jump.
Verb
- choose not to do something, as out of fear of failing
- She copped out when she was supposed to get into the hang glider