let something slide

/lɛt ˈsʌmθɪŋ slaɪd/
phrasal verbIntermediatephrasal verb
What It Really Means
To intentionally ignore or overlook a mistake, rule, or problem to avoid conflict or for practical reasons.
Literal Meaning
To allow something to move smoothly without stopping it.
Literal Breakdown
letto allow+somethingan object or action+slideto move smoothly
Mental Image
The mental picture of something moving smoothly without being stopped, suggesting that no action is being taken to address it.
When to Use
A teacher might let a minor mistake in a student's homework slide to avoid discouraging the student.
Cultural Note
This phrase reflects a common human tendency to overlook small issues to maintain harmony or avoid unnecessary effort.
informal

To intentionally ignore or overlook a mistake, rule, or problem, often to avoid conflict or for practical reasons.

After the long meeting, the manager let the small errors in the report slide.

The manager chose not to address minor mistakes in the report to save time.

She usually lets her kids slide on bedtime rules during the holidays.

She allows her children to stay up later than usual during holidays.

💡

This phrase is often used when someone decides not to enforce a rule or correct a mistake to maintain harmony or for convenience.

Collocations

let it slideto ignore or overlook somethinglet it gosimilar to 'let it slide' but often implies emotional detachment

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

let it gophrase
to stop worrying about something
turn a blind eyeidiom
to ignore something deliberately

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

This phrase is often used in situations where strict adherence to rules or standards would be impractical or unnecessary.

Gold Rule

Informal Use

This phrase is best used in casual or informal settings, not in formal or professional contexts where strict rules apply.

📖Word Origin

The phrase comes from the literal idea of something sliding away, suggesting that it is not being stopped or addressed.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts, especially when someone decides not to take action against a minor issue to avoid unnecessary conflict or effort.

Word Breakdown

let
to allow or permit
verb
+
something
a mistake, rule, or problem
object
+
slide
to move smoothly without resistance
verb
English Dictionary