easy does it
easy does it (idiom)
/ˌiː.zi ˈdʌz ɪt/
The idiom “easy does it“ means to move slowly, act carefully, stay calm, and avoid rushing or making mistakes.
Variants
- take it easy; go easy; be gentle; not so fast.
Meaning
- Used to tell someone to slow down or do something gently or carefully.
- Said to caution someone to be calm or not rush a task.
- Employed to ease tension in a difficult or delicate situation.
- Used to ask someone not to lose their temper, to keep calm
- Spoken to prevent accidents or mistakes when handling something fragile or risky.
Synonyms: carefully; gently; slowly; cautiously; softly
Example Sentences
- Easy does it—those boxes are full of glassware.
- Easy does it, we don’t want to scare the dog.
- Easy does it, we still have time, no need to panic.
- Easy does it, let’s move this piano slowly down the stairs.
Origin and History
One belief suggests that the essence of “easy does it” found its earliest expression in ancient religious texts. Some attribute its initial use to a passage in the New Testament, specifically Matthew 6:34, which advises against worrying about tomorrow, emphasizing that each day has enough concerns of its own. This interpretation connects the phrase’s underlying message of living in the present and not rushing into future anxieties with timeless spiritual guidance.
Another intriguing theory links the phrase to the Parthians, a powerful ancient civilization renowned for their formidable warriors. It is believed that their consistent victories and seemingly effortless conquering of territories led to the saying being ascribed to their fighting style, indicating that they made difficult feats appear “easy.” This suggests a historical attribution where the phrase describes a proficiency so great it seemed to require minimal effort.
Emergence in Printed Form and Popularization
While the conceptual roots of “easy does it” may stretch back centuries, the specific phrase itself began to appear in print more recently. The earliest known record of the expression in a written document dates to 1927 in the United States. This marks a significant point in its journey, showing its formal establishment in the English language.
The phrase saw a considerable surge in popularity and widespread adoption through its use within recovery movements in the United States. From the late 1930s onward, it became a fundamental motto for individuals navigating personal challenges, particularly in the context of sobriety. It served as a gentle yet firm reminder to approach their recovery journey with patience, self-compassion, and to avoid overwhelming themselves by attempting too much too quickly.
Today, it is part of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) slogan as they use this to encourage themselves whenever they find that any of their members is struggling with sobriety. This particular cultural context played a crucial role in embedding “easy does it” deeply into common American parlance.
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To “put the brakes” on can mean, to slow down or take it easy.
‒ Charlie May 27, 2020