cop a plea
phrase
informal
: to plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid standing trial for a more serious one
broadly
: to admit fault and plead for mercy
Cite this Entry
“Cop a plea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cop%20a%20plea. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
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