the path of least 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.
See also: least, of, path, resistance
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.
See also: least, of, path, resistance
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • path of least resistance
  • least resistance, line of
  • line of least resistance
  • the line of least resistance
  • choose the line of least resistance
  • resistance
  • choose the path of least resistance
  • sexual tension
  • tension
  • take the line of least resistance
References in periodicals archive
THE Manic Street Preachers could be forgiven for playing safe, for resting on their laurels, for taking the path of least resistance. After all, their latest album is titled Resistance Is Futile!
"The path of least resistance is still up,'' said Maris Ogg of Towers Bridge Advisors.
Anastasiades took the path of least resistance when the big decision had to be made because this was easier than persuading people, who had been conditioned against a settlement for the last 40 years, to support a deal.
So we follow the path of least resistance, and that path inevitably leads us to the couch and the TV.
I followed the path of least resistance: I stayed in school because I was in good in school.
Sarich says the bottom line may be that "the consumer wants the path of least resistance." Whether it be from a large agency or a local broker with a range of offerings, agency experts agree customers are expecting more of the one- stop-shop model.
"Fraud follows the path of least resistance. With more shipping and billing options available to create a better customer experience, criminals attempt to exploit any added convenience," Adam Fingersh, Experian general manager and senior vice president of fraud and identity solutions, said.
"Defined Contribution Pensions: Plan Rules, Participant Choices, and the Path of Least Resistance." In Tax Policy and the Economy, 16:67-114.
When sound energy hits the ear, rather than trying to fight its way into a small space In your ear, the sound energy travels the path of least resistance, which is in the large low-pressure space of the chamber.
It's the path of least resistance. D: Mark wanted to marry Sophie, he wanted to live with Dobby, and he desperately wants not to be with Jeremy.
Hackers and other criminals look for the path of least resistance, and simple practices can deter them.
At the heart of Youngblood's approach to preventing fraud is the concept of the path of least resistance: the idea is for a person or organization to have enough security to convince a would-be criminal to seek easier targets.
When things get tough, Morgan still questions her own decision to forgo the path of least resistance.
They call it the Path of Least Resistance. Or in this case, the Track of Least Resistance.