primrose path

American  

noun

1. a way of life devoted to irresponsible hedonism, often of a sensual nature.

   The evangelist exhorted us to avoid the primrose path and stick to the straight and narrow.

2. a course of action that is easy or tempting but hazardous.

   the primrose path to insolvency.

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primrose path British  

noun

1. a pleasurable way of life

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primrose path Cultural  

1. A life of ease and pleasure; the easy way out of a hard situation. To “lead people down the primrose path” is to deceive them into thinking that things are easier than they actually are.

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Etymology

Origin of primrose path

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

The primrose path here is not without its appeal.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2021

But others question whether the mating service is just another misguided step down a primrose path of human intervention.

From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2016

The genius of the trajectory of the series, and its manipulation of viewers, can be seen in how Walt's evolution has been shown, and how we were led along the primrose path.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2013

Even in the late 1950s, this was not exactly the primrose path of dalliance.

From The Guardian • Feb. 10, 2012

But Dorothy was learning that the way to success is not always a primrose path, and she cheerfully did her best to accede to such of these demands as she considered just and reasonable.

From The Dorrance Domain by Wells, Carolyn