primrose path

noun

1. a way of life devoted to irresponsible hedonism, often of a sensual nature:

   The evangelist exhorted us to avoid the primrose path and stick to the straight and narrow.

2. a course of action that is easy or tempting but hazardous:

   the primrose path to insolvency.

primrose path

noun

1. the primrose path
   a pleasurable way of life

primrose path

1. A life of ease and pleasure; the easy way out of a hard situation. To “lead people down the primrose path” is to deceive them into thinking that things are easier than they actually are.

Word History and Origins

Origin of primrose path¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

But he put such thoughts from him—he had made his choice long ago, and it was not the primrose-path.

From Project Gutenberg

Once arrived in Canada, the settler soon found that he had no primrose path before him.

From Project Gutenberg

The primrose path of dalliance did not lead them to peace, and the pursuit of variety in love brought them only monotony.

From Project Gutenberg

It's grown out of Mary's keeping one or two women from going the primrose path to the everlasting bonfire.

From Project Gutenberg

Only one morning paper implied that Persis had strayed into the primrose path of dalliance.

From Project Gutenberg