take the easy way out

take the easy way out (third-person singular simple present takes the easy way out, present participle taking the easy way out, simple past took the easy way out, past participle taken the easy way out)

1. To cut corners; to take shortcuts to avoid pain or struggle to achieve a desired result.
2. To commit suicide.

   The victims showed no relief when they learned that the perpetrator had killed himself in prison, stating that the perpetrator took the easy way out.