Path of least resistance

Hikers choose the easy way to cross hills

The path of least resistance is the physical or metaphorical pathway that provides the least resistance to forward motion by a given object or entity, among a set of alternative paths.[not verified in body] The concept is often used to describe why an object or entity takes a given path.[not verified in body] The way in which water flows is often given as an example for the idea.[not verified in body]