Cut someone some slack Informal

English idiom: Cut someone some slack

Last updated: 19.10.2026

Relationships & PeopleSocial Interactions

Equivalent idioms in other languages

  • 🇷🇺 Дать поблажку Разговорное

    Сделать для человека исключение, снизить требования или отнестись к его ошибке менее строго, чем обычно. Часто подразумевает временное послабление с учётом обстоятельств.

  • 🇪🇸 Darle un respiro a alguien Informal

    Dejar de presionar o exigir tanto a una persona, al menos por un tiempo, para que pueda recuperarse o actuar con más tranquilidad. Puede equivaler a mostrar cierta indulgencia, aunque destaca el alivio de la presión.

  • 🇫🇷 Lâcher un peu de lest Familier

    Réduire ses exigences ou assouplir sa position afin de rendre une situation moins tendue. Se dit souvent de la personne qui impose les contraintes; n’équivaut pas toujours à pardonner une faute précise.

Meaning

To be less demanding or critical of someone, or allow them some leeway because of their circumstances. It suggests tolerance rather than full forgiveness of a serious wrongdoing.

Origin

Slack originally refers to looseness in a rope or line, as opposed to tension. Giving or allowing slack became a figurative way to describe greater freedom or less pressure. The exact first use of this conversational formula is not firmly established.

Examples

Cut her some slack — she only started last week.

I know he made a mistake, but give him a little slack.

Can you cut me some slack? I’ve had a rough day.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Cut someone some slack' mean?

To be less demanding or critical of someone, or allow them some leeway because of their circumstances. It suggests tolerance rather than full forgiveness of a serious wrongdoing.

How do you say 'Cut someone some slack' in Russian?
Дать поблажку

How do you say 'Cut someone some slack' in Spanish?
Darle un respiro a alguien

How do you say 'Cut someone some slack' in French?
Lâcher un peu de lest

Related idioms