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.

go easy on something

If you tell someone to go easy on something, you are warning them not to have or use too much of it, because you think that it is bad for them. Note: In the first idiom below, ABC is pronounced `a b c', as if you are spelling it out. Small meals at regular times are important. Go easy on the salt and don't add extra sugar.

go easy on (or with) something

be sparing or cautious in your use or consumption of something. informal

go ˈeasy on something

do not use too much of something, speak too much about something, etc: Go easy on the spices. I don’t like very hot curry. ♢ When you’re talking to Jim, go easy on the subject of marriage — his wife’s just left him.