Definition
To avoid or shirk, either by failing to perform, or by performing in a grossly insufficient, negligent, or superficial manner.
To blame; to assign blame to; to get into trouble.
To remove from a situation or crowd, such as for arrest or punishment.
To abandon, let down or betray (someone).
To win (someone) over; to get on (someone's) good side.
Origins
Attested since 1942 as “flee, escape, cop (an) out”.
In Context
- "Faced with the prospect of cooking for himself, his first thought was to cop out and order a pizza."
- "There was no bird fair at Druridge so I didn't have to feel guilty about copping out of it."
- "His lawyer copped him out on just one felony charge."
- "Somebody should have copped him out last night."
- "She thought I'd copped out on her."
Also Said As
- goof off
- weasel out
- blow off
- cop out
- dog
- doss
- duck
- flinch
- goldbrick
- goof off
- lollygag
- malinger
- procrastinate
- shirk
- shrink
- slack off
- soldier
- swing the lead
- weasel out