The English We Speak: Let something slide
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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? Hi Feifei, I'm so sorry I'm late. My alarm didn't go off and I overslept. Oh Georgie, come on, you're so late!

But it's OK. I'll let it slide just this once. 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? 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. You've gone soft, Feifei. You're letting everything slide. 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. 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. 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. 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? 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. Oh, me too. I've been working so hard lately that I keep having to cancel plans with friends and

So I've really let that slide. It's just so hard to find time for everything, isn't it? Yeah, it is. But I'm sure your friends will let it slide. They'll understand. OK, let's recap. We learned let something slide, which means to ignore a problem or someone's mistake and not respond with any action. Thank you for joining us. Bye. Goodbye.

Hello! Want to improve your pronunciation? Our new video series, The Pronunciation Lounge, helps you hear, recognise and produce English sounds, words and phrases. Find all the episodes on our website and practise your listening and speaking skills. Visit bbclearningenglish.com.