go easy

Idioms  

1. Act or proceed with caution, as in Go easy moving that bookcase , or Go easy on the subject of layoffs . [Late 1800s] Also see easy does it ; take it easy .

2. ; go light on . Use sparingly, as in Go easy with the makeup; a little lipstick is enough , or Go light on the salt . [ Colloquial ; early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Your $400,000 inheritance can be used to supplement your current income and, if managed judiciously — go easy on the gifts — it could last you into your 80s and beyond.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

He’s so happy to be back, he said, and appreciates that Blanck “doesn’t go easy on you.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

“It’s hard to see what this could be other than an attempt to improperly influence the police officer to go easy on him,” Clark said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

She may swim aerobically during practice instead of racing, as a way of balancing the need to go easy with a desire to train.

From Slate • Aug. 19, 2023

“We’ll go easy on you,” Doug said, doing a fake evil laugh and rubbing his hands together.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence