1
general::
Phrase(s): cop out (on someone)
Sl. to break one’s promise to someone. (See also previous.) • Come on! Don’t cop out on me! • You promised me you would do it! Don’t cop out now!, Phrase(s): cop out (on something)
Go to cop out (of something)., Phrase(s): cop out (of something) [and] cop out (on something)
1. Sl. to withdraw from doing something. • Are you copping out of this job? • No, I’m not copping out! 2. Sl. to break one’s promise about doing something. • You said you would and now you are copping out of it. • I’m not copping out. I just can’t find the time. 3. Sl. to plead guilty (to a lesser charge). • Frank copped out and got off with a night in the cooler.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Back out of a responsibility or commitment; also, take the easy way out. For example, Don't count on him; he's been known to fake illness and cop out, or She'll cop out and let her assistant do all the work. These meanings are derived from the underworld slang use of cop out for backing down or surrendering. [Late 1950s]
American Heritage Idioms