cop out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But that phrase can be a cop-out, so, as you get older, kid, don’t use it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

The Writers Guild of America, East, which represents CBS News’ editorial union, said the parent company’s cop-out “threatens journalists’ ability to do their job reporting on powerful public figures.”

From Slate • Jul. 3, 2025

The Disney statement, in particular, feels like a cop-out.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2024

Which was also a nice cop-out for me because I was new to screenwriting, so I didn’t know all the technical terms.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2024

“They were clearly upset about other stuff. A song didn’t make them do anything. All these people are using me as a cop-out instead of asking what the real problems are.”

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas