ease up
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to stop being so strict or demanding with someone.
to become less severe, demanding, or strict in one's treatment of others.
Simple“You should ease up on the new employee; she is still learning how we do things.”
In context“The manager decided to ease up on the strict deadlines once he realised the team was suffering from significant burnout.”
Usageoften takes the preposition 'on' followed by a person or a rule.
Teacher's tipThis is a very common way to tell someone to 'chill out' or be kinder in a professional or social setting.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to become less strong or intense, like rain or a bad feeling.
to diminish in pressure, force, or intensity.
Simple“We can go for a walk once the rain begins to ease up.”
In context“Economists hope that inflation will ease up by the second quarter, allowing for a more stable market environment.”
Usageusually intransitive when describing weather or abstract pressures.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to reduce your speed while driving or moving.
to reduce speed or physical effort, particularly when operating a vehicle.
Simple“You need to ease up on the gas pedal as you enter the school zone.”
In context“The driver had to ease up as the fog thickened, making it nearly impossible to see the taillights of the car ahead.”
Usageoften used with 'on' when referring to a specific control like a pedal or brake.
Synonymsslow downdecelerateAntonyms
contrast with 'let up' (usually for weather) and 'slow down' (specifically for speed); 'ease up' implies a reduction in pressure or harshness.