go easy on (sb)

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase go easy on (sb)

Meaning

to not punish, berate or criticize someone too severely

For example

  • After she saw my grades, Mum called Dad and said, "Go easy on him, Len. He did his best."

  • The judge said, "I could go easy on you, but I won't. Stealing is a serious crime."

Quick Quiz

The referee had "gone easy on" the player. He had

a. penalized him lightly

b. penalized him severely

c. made an easy decision
a) penalized him lightly b) penalized him severely c) made an easy decision

Contributor: Matt Errey