choose the line of least resistance

To do something or decide on a course of action that avoids confrontation or difficulty. Let's not try to innovate this time—just choose the line of least resistance so we can get the job done on time. You're never going to be respected by your boss if you choose the line of least resistance every time he asks you to do something you don't want to do. I know it's frustrating to constantly have to nag your kids, but you can't always choose the line of least resistance either. It's a delicate balance.

See also: choose, least, line, of, resistance

choose the path of least resistance

To do something or decide on a course of action that avoids confrontation or difficulty. Let's not try to innovate this time—just choose the path of least resistance so we can get the job done 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. I know it's frustrating to constantly have to nag your kids, but you can't always choose the path of least resistance either. It's a delicate balance.

See also: choose, least, of, path, resistance

mount a resistance

To band together in order to prevent something from happening. I'm worried that the townspeople are going to mount a resistance once they learn that yet another tax has been levied against them.

mount resistance

To try to stop or keep something from happening. I'm worried that the townspeople are going to mount resistance once they learn that yet another tax has been levied against them.

pocket of resistance

A small but consolidated group of people standing in opposition to someone or something. Most of the country has fallen to the brutal regime, but there remain several pockets of resistance determined to hold out until the bitter end. There's a pocket of resistance within the company to the proposed merger, but I'll make sure they don't stand in our way.

take the line of least resistance

To do the thing that is easiest. A variant of the more common "take the path of least resistance." Let's not try to innovate this time—just take the line of least resistance so we can get the job done on time.

See also: least, line, of, resistance, take

take the path of least resistance

To do the thing that causes the least amount of difficulties, problems, or resistance. Let's not try to innovate this time—just take the path of least resistance so we can get the job done on time. I know you like to take the path of least resistance in these production meetings, but you need to stand up for yourself when you know you're right!

See also: least, of, path, resistance, take

the line of least resistance

The thing, option, or course of action that is easiest to do; that which avoids confrontation, difficulty, awkwardness, or tension. Let's not try to innovate this time—just take the line of least resistance so we can get the job done on time. You're never going to be respected by your boss if you choose the line of least resistance every time he asks you to do something you don't want to do.

See also: least, line, of, resistance

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.

the pièce de résistance

1. The most outstanding, remarkable, or prized achievement, accomplishment, aspect, event, etc., in a given series or group. Mr. Reynolds has an impressive gallery, but I'm told that his latest sculpture will be the pièce de résistance.

2. The principal or featured dish in a meal; the entrée. And now for the pièce de résistance—paupiettes of black sole, served with asparagus spears and a rich consommé.

line of least resistance

the course of action that will cause least trouble or effort. Jane won't stand up for her rights. She always takes the line of least resistance. Joan never states her point of view. She takes the line of least resistance and agrees with everyone else.

See also: least, line, of, resistance

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.

pocket of resistance

Fig. a small group of people who resist change or domination. The accounting department seems to be a pocket of resistance when it comes to automating.

least resistance, line of

Also, path of least resistance. The easiest method, way, or course of action. For example, He tends to do what most people seem to want, taking the line of least resistance. This term employs resistance in the sense of "the physical opposition of one thing or force to another," a usage dating from the early 1600s. It has been used figuratively since about 1900.

take the line of least resistance

take the path of least resistance

If someone takes the line of least resistance or takes the path of least resistance, they do the thing that is easiest in a situation. They would rather take the line of least resistance than become involved in arguments or unpleasant situations. It had been the path of least resistance to agree to Sam's suggestions. Note: The line of least resistance and the path of least resistance are used in many other structures to mean the easiest course of action. He seemed to prove that the line of least resistance would always pay off. Instead of finding a radical solution to its economic difficulties, the Parliament chose the path of least resistance.

See also: least, line, of, resistance, take

the line (or path) of least resistance

an option which avoids difficulty or unpleasantness; the easiest course of action.

See also: least, line, of, resistance

(choose, follow, take, etc.) the line of least reˈsistance

(to choose, etc.) the easiest way of doing something: You’ll never get anywhere in life if you always take the line of least resistance.

See also: least, line, of, resistance

your/the ˌpièce de réˈsistance

(from French) the most important or impressive part of a group or series of things: I hope you all enjoyed your main course. And now for my pièce de résistance: chocolate gateau!

pièce de résistance

The most notable or most highly prized feature of a group or series; the star attraction. Originally, from the 1790s or so, this French term always referred to a meal’s greatest delicacy (an appropriate matter of concern to French palates). By the mid-nineteenth century the term had been transferred to other outstanding items, at least in English. Thackeray, in an essay (1840) about art, stated: “To supply the picture lover with the pièces de résistance of the feast.”