go easy on somebody

go easy on (someone or something)

1. To be lenient with someone, especially after they've done something that could justify a punishment or scolding. Go easy on your little brother, will you? He didn't mean to break the window. I only lost by six points, but I think he was going easy on me since he's so much better. Can you please go easy on Sarah? Yes, she screwed this report up, but her mom was just diagnosed with cancer a few days ago.

2. To use only a small amount of something. Hey, go easy on the ketchup—there's not much left. You really should go easy on the fried food. It can't be good for your health. Next time you're making soup, go easy on the salt, would you? There's way too much in here.

See also: easy, go, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go ˈeasy on somebody

(informal) not be too strict with somebody, especially when they have done something wrong: Go easy on the child, she didn’t mean to break the window.

See also: easy, go, on, somebody

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017