Learning English

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Introduction

You're late! I'll let it slide just this once... This phrase has two meanings. Learn them and hear some examples in this episode.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them, too! I'm Feifei, and I'm supposed to be joined by Georgie… but where is she?

Georgie
Hi Feifei! I'm so sorry I'm late – my alarm didn't go off and I overslept!

Feifei
Oh, Georgie. Come on, you're so late. But it's OK. I'll let it slide just this once.

Georgie
Thank you so much, Feifei. And you just said you'll let it slide. And that's actually the phrase we're looking at in this programme. So, I was late to work, and thankfully you're going to let it slide which probably means you won't tell my manager right?

Feifei
Yes. 'Let something slide' means you ignore a mistake or problem instead of addressing or punishing it. For example, my son did something really naughty last night, but I decided to let it slide because he looked so cute when he did it.

Georgie
You've gone soft Feifei - you're letting everything slide!

Feifei
I must just be in a good mood, Georgie! Use of this phrase often involves an authority figure, for example when a teacher, parent or boss chooses not to enforce a rule.

Georgie
Yes. But it can also be used between equals such as friends or colleagues, when a person decides not to criticise something or bring up an issue. Let's hear more examples.

Examples
I played a board game with my friends the other day. I got the rules a bit wrong, but luckily they let it slide.

Have you taken my cake again? I'm going to let it slide this time, but if it happens again, I won't be happy.

I think the referee saw the foul but must have decided it wasn't that major as he let it slide.

Feifei
So, we've discussed how 'let something slide' can mean to ignore a mistake that someone else has made and not respond with any action. But it has another meaning, doesn't it Georgie?

Georgie
Yes. This meaning is also about inaction, but it's about neglecting your own responsibilities and letting things deteriorate. For example, I had a really good exercise routine at the start of the year, but I've really let it slide lately - I've been too busy to keep it going.

Feifei
Oh, me too. I've been working so hard lately that I keep having to cancel plans with friends, so I've really let that slide. It's just so hard to find time for everything, isn’t it?

Georgie
Yeah, it is. But I'm sure your friends will let it slide – they'll understand. OK, let's recap. We learnt 'let something slide', which means to ignore a problem or someone's mistake and not respond with any action.

Feifei
Thank you for joining us. Bye!

Georgie
Goodbye.

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