Idioms

path of least resistance

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the path of least resistance

The thing, option, or course of action that is easiest to do; that which avoids confrontation, difficulty, awkwardness, or tension. We're not looking for major innovations. Just take the path of least resistance so we can get the product finished on time. You're never going to be respected by your boss if you choose the path of least resistance every time he asks you to do something you don't want to do.
See also: least, of, path, resistance
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

path of least resistance

Fig. the easiest course to follow; the easiest route. (Often with follow the or take the.) John will follow the path of least resistance. I like challenges. I won't usually take the path of least resistance.
See also: least, of, path, resistance
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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References in periodicals archive
He rarely takes the path of least resistance: He hitchhikes along an ambitious construction project traversing the Peruvian Andes, braves Israel's "Highway of Death" through the West Bank, and walks an ancient 40-mile ice road through the Indian Himalayas.
The Routes of Man: How Roads Are Changing the World and the Way We Live Today
Childhood physics lessons always taught me that objects moving through a system followed the path of least resistance. Whether it is water running downhill, electricity running through a circuit or even weather systems travelling across a continent, this rule always rings true.
The path of least resistance: in this article Cyber-Ark sympathises with workers and encourages organisations to help them get on and do their jobs mark fullbrook, UK & Ireland director, Cyber-Ark
The piston design also allows the scalloped head to rotate freely--reducing wind resistance in flight and allowing the head to find the path of least resistance through an animal.
Piston-powered blades
We've spent a lot of time advocating against trying to turn back to the airport and, instead, picking the path of least resistance ahead of you.
Picture perfect
You must resist the siren song of the path of least resistance and discipline yourself to do what is hard and necessary to achieve the goals that are truly possible for you." Outwork anyone, and chances are good you'll succeed.
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Make sure the strap maintains the path of least resistance by running it around or under obstacles and not over them.
Are they grounded good?
Attics and basements are almost always a path of least resistance. Keep in mind that if the exterior walls of your home contain a row of horizontal blocking midway, you may need to drill two holes--one above and the other down low to blow insulation into the entire stud cavity.
Adding blown insulation
At lower frequencies, this means the path of least resistance and at high frequencies, this means the path of least inductance.
Resistive vs. inductive return current paths: at high frequencies the return current follows the path of least inductance, not the path of least resistance
Grossman's incisive investigation uncovers a trail of e-waste that meanders around the globe following an "economic path of least resistance," featuring inconvenient (or non-existent) collection channels, unregulated bulk exporting and hazardous "no-tech" recycling methods in developing countries.
High tech trash: digital devices, hidden toxics and human health
PEOPLE HAVE HOUSES AND FAMILIES AND LIVES THEY WANT TO PROTECT AND BEING HUMAN, SOMETIMES THEY CHOOSE THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE ...
The professors: "the rise of the buppie": Dr. Lori Pierce, assistant professor of American studies at DePaul University
The growth of the tumor follows the path of least resistance. Involvement of the ossicles causes a conductive hearing loss.
Glomus tympanicum
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