a soft option
soft option
A possible course of action that does not require as much effort, hardship, or unpleasantness compared to the alternative(s). The government is trying to find a soft option on tax reform that won't drive away businesses but won't cost the state billions in lost revenue each year. I think he decided to stay in his job because it was the soft option—it was safe, secure, and he knew how to do it, even if he was bored stiff.
See also: option, soft
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
a soft option
A soft option is something that will not take much effort or not be very unpleasant. They do not simply become a nanny because they think it is a soft option, better than commuting to an office each day. We're not giving young offenders a soft option. Note: This expression is usually used to show disapproval.
See also: option, soft
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- soft option
- the soft option
- the soft/easy option
- take the easy way out
- be in a spot of bother
- the easy way out
- have a spot of bother
- not be all beer and skittles
- be (not) all beer and skittles
- tomorrow is another day