resistance

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Related to resistance: voltage, electrical resistance, resistor

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.

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 entreé. And now for the pièce de résistance: paupiettes of black sole, served with asparagus spears and a rich consommé.

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

the path of least resistance

The easiest or least stressful course, path, or method. My dad was always a bit timid, so he usually chose the path of least resistance when it came to dealing with other people. The company is eager to find the path of least resistance for getting the product approved for the market.

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.

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.

(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.

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!