go easy on

go easy on someone or something

to be gentle on someone or something; not to be too critical of someone or something; to take it easy on someone or something. (See also go easy on something.) Go easy on Sherri. She's my friend. Try to go easy on criticizing their report. They did the best they could in the time allotted.

See also: easy

go easy on something

to use something sparingly. (See also take it easy on something; go easy on someone or something.) Go easy on the mustard. That's all there is. Please go easy on the onions. I don't like them very much.

See also: easy

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go easy on somebody   (informal)

to treat someone in a gentle way and not punish them severely if they have done something wrong They'll probably go easy on him since he hasn't been in trouble before.

See also: easy

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go easy on somebody

to treat someone in a gentle way The movie goes easy on her, but in real life she behaved like a tyrant.

Usage notes: often said about someone who does not punish others severely if they have done something wrong: He complains about judges who go easy on criminal defendants.

See also: easy

go easy on something

to not take or use too much of something Go easy on coffee and alcohol when you fly.

See also: easy