Go easy on: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Go easy on” mean?

"Go easy on" means to be gentle or lenient with someone.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Please go easy on him, he's had a rough day.

Example

I made a mistake, can you go easy on me?

Example

The teacher decided to go easy on the students for their first assignment

Is “Go easy on” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Go easy on” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Go easy on” effectively in context?

You can use "Go easy on" to ask someone to be gentle or lenient with you or someone else. It implies a request for understanding or forgiveness. For example, if a friend is going through a difficult time, you might say, 'Please go easy on him, he's had a rough day.'

• 1. Apology

  I made a mistake, can you go easy on me?

• 2. Request for leniency

  The teacher decided to go easy on the students for their first assignment.

• 3. Asking for understanding

  Please go easy on her, she's still learning.

Similar phrases to “Go easy on”:

Cut someone some slack

To give someone a break or be more forgiving

Example

Can you cut me some slack? I'm still learning.

Take it easy on

To treat someone gently or with leniency

Example

Take it easy on him, he's going through a tough time.

Be gentle with

To handle someone or something with care and kindness

Example

Please be gentle with the fragile items.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Go easy on” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Go easy on" is unknown.

Is “Go easy on” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Go easy on" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to ask for leniency or understanding in various situations.

What tone does “Go easy on” have?

"Go easy on" conveys a tone of request and vulnerability. It's often used when someone wants to be treated gently or with compassion.

Can “Go easy on” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Go easy on" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that can be used in personal conversations as well as professional situations where leniency or understanding is needed.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Please go easy on him, he's had a rough day.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Go easy on me!' to imply a request for leniency.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• be lenient
• be forgiving
• be understanding
• give someone a break

Antonyms

• be strict
• be harsh
• be unforgiving
• hold someone accountable