English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Cut somebody some slack
Meaning
The idiom "cut somebody some slack" means to give someone a break, allow them some leeway or flexibility, or grant them forgiveness for an error or mistake. It is often used when someone has made a blunder or misstepped and needs some understanding and acceptance from others.
Usage
- "After realizing he had spilled coffee on his shirt, his coworkers cut him some slack and told him to just wear a sweater for the rest of the day."
- "When my friend accidentally broke her phone, I cut her some slack and didn't hold it against her."
- "I cut the new employee some slack when they made mistakes on their first few tasks, knowing that they were still learning the ropes."
- "My manager cut me some slack after I missed a deadline, understanding that my family had unexpectedly come to visit."
- "After accidentally ordering an extra large pizza instead of an extra small, the restaurant staff cut me some slack and didn't charge me for the difference." The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, in a more formal or professional setting, it may be more appropriate to say something like "granting some leniency" or "allowing for some flexibility".
Roots and History
The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have evolved from the nautical phrase "cut slack", which means to release a rope or line that was too tight. This could refer to someone who had been unfairly judged or held to strict standards, and needed some relaxation or leniency. The phrase was eventually adopted as a figurative idiom in contemporary language.
Synonyms in English
- Give someone some breathing room
- Allow for some flexibility
- Cut them some slack
- Grant some leeway
- Offer some understanding
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - "darle un poco de respuesto" (to give him a little response)
- French - "donner une chancreuse" (to give a breathing space)
- German - "sich ein wenig zurückhalten" (to step back a bit)
- Italian - "dargli un poco di distanza" (to give him some distance)
- Portuguese - "dar uma chance" (to give a chance)