copouts
Lame evasion tactics
Copouts are excuses or evasions used to avoid responsibility or difficulty.
The term carries accusation—calling something a copout implies the person took an easy way out when they should have followed through: His apology was just a copout.
A copout can also be a person who backs down or fails to commit.
Also spelled cop-outs.
Explanations offered for faults
- alibisClaimed absence from crime
- justificationsReasons defending an action
- pretextsOstensible justifications masking truth
- dodgesEvades with quick movement
sidesteps · runarounds · deflections · loopholes · workarounds · hedging · weaseling · ducking
Absence of bravery
- spinelessnessLack of courage
- gutlessnessLack of bravery
- timidityFearful lack of courage
- faint-heartednessLack of resolve
cold feet · lack of backbone · pusillanimity · cravenness · meekness · submissiveness · capitulation · surrender
Failures to satisfy
- selloutsCapacity crowds or betrayers
- betrayalsBreaches of loyalty
- failuresUnsuccessful attempts or outcomes
- shortcomingsInadequacies or weak points
half-measures · broken promises · backtracks · retreats · capitulations · surrenders · abandonments · desertions
excuses
Explanations offered for faults
- alibisClaimed absence from crime
- justificationsReasons defending an action
- pretextsOstensible justifications masking truth
dodges · sidesteps · runarounds · deflections · loopholes · workarounds · hedging · weaseling · ducking · skirting
cowardice
Absence of bravery
- spinelessnessLack of courage
- gutlessnessLack of bravery
- timidityFearful lack of courage
faint-heartedness · cold feet · lack of backbone · pusillanimity · cravenness · meekness · submissiveness · capitulation · surrender · defeatism
letdowns
Failures to satisfy
- selloutsCapacity crowds or betrayers
- betrayalsBreaches of loyalty
- failuresUnsuccessful attempts or outcomes
shortcomings · half-measures · broken promises · backtracks · retreats · capitulations · surrenders · abandonments · desertions · bailouts
copoutsaccountability
Obligation for one's actions
taking responsibility · owning up · answerability · facing the music · stepping up
copoutscommitments
Promises requiring follow-through
follow-throughs · stepping up to the plate · rising to the occasion · perseverance · dedication
copoutscommitments
Promises requiring follow-through
follow-throughs · accountabilities · responsibilities · dedications · stepping up