easy does it

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to tell someone to move slowly and carefully so nothing goes wrong.

   Grammar: Stands alone as a complete remark; it does not take an object or change form.

   Patterns

   • Easy does it!
   • easy does it with something

   Easy does it — that box has glass in it.

   Easy does it, the floor is still wet.

   Easy does it when you carry the cake across the room.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to tell someone to stay calm and not get excited or angry.

   Grammar: Also stands alone; it is a calming remark, not part of a longer clause.

   Patterns

   • Easy does it, + clause

   Easy does it, there's no need to shout at me.

   Easy does it — we'll sort the problem out in a minute.

Common combinations

easy does it with something

Easy does it with that vase — it belonged to my grandmother.

easy does it, take your time

Easy does it, take your time going down the stairs.

easy does it, there's no rush

Easy does it, there's no rush; the train isn't for an hour.

say 'easy does it'

She said 'easy does it' as he lifted the heavy table.

Synonyms and how they differ

take it easy

A more general way to tell someone to relax or not work too hard; 'easy does it' is more about being careful right now.

steady

Said to warn someone to keep control, often when carrying something; it is a single word and more urgent in tone.

careful

A plain warning to avoid harm; it does not carry the 'slow down and stay calm' idea.

Opposites

Commonly confused: easy does it or easy come, easy go?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “easy does it”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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