a little leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

"a little leeway" is a valid phrase in written English.
It means having a small amount of flexibility or freedom to make decisions or take action. Example: "As long as we have a little leeway in our budget, we should be able to splurge on a nice dinner tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We'll give him a little leeway".

The New Yorker

But I decided to give him a little leeway.

The New York Times

In reality, however, the regulator offers a little leeway.

The Guardian

But I want to give ourselves a little leeway in case he needs an extra day.

The New York Times - Sports

That might give them a little leeway, but not as much as some might want.

The New York Times

When you're eating 18 dinners a week, I figure you deserve a little leeway".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A week ago, Mr Tsipras found little leeway during a seven-hour meeting with Angela Merkel in Berlin.

The Guardian - Opinion

The beauty of tournament cricket, when the format makes sense, is that there is very little leeway for a losing side to hang on.

The Guardian - Sport

But his imprudence has left the Treasury with little leeway to bolster a weakening economy.

The Economist

Greyhound has complained that a highly regulated structure gives it little leeway in adjusting service levels in Canada.

The Guardian - Business

School administrators would have a little more leeway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little leeway", ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries within which this flexibility exists. For instance, "The budget allows a little leeway, but only for essential supplies".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a little leeway" implies unlimited flexibility. Always clarify the extent and limitations of the allowance. Saying "We have a little leeway" without defining its scope can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little leeway" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun or verb, indicating a degree of flexibility or allowance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly valid in English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its role in conveying that some deviation from a strict rule or expectation is permitted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little leeway" is a common and grammatically correct phrase that conveys the idea of having some flexibility or room for adjustment. Ludwig AI validates its usage, and numerous examples from diverse sources like news media, encyclopedias, and wikis demonstrate its broad applicability. While not strictly formal, it is versatile enough for various communication styles. Remember to use it when you want to suggest some deviation is permitted, and always clarify the boundaries within which this flexibility exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit of flexibility

Replaces "leeway" with "flexibility" to emphasize the adaptability aspect.

a touch of flexibility

Replaces "little" with "touch" to soften the expression, implying subtle adaptability.

a little latitude

Replaces "leeway" with "latitude" to emphasize the freedom from narrow restrictions.

some wiggle room

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest a small amount of space for adjustment.

a slight allowance

Substitutes "leeway" with "allowance" to highlight the permitted deviation.

some breathing space

Uses a metaphor to describe having sufficient resources or time.

a degree of freedom

Emphasizes the freedom aspect, suggesting some room for independent action.

a modicum of space

Emphasizes that the flexibility/freedom given, is very little.

a small margin for error

Focuses on the possibility of mistakes and the provision for them.

limited discretion

Highlights the authority to make nuanced decisions within defined boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "a little leeway" in a sentence?

You can use "a little leeway" to indicate that there is some flexibility or room for adjustment within certain limits. For example, "The deadline is strict, but we might have "a little leeway" if you communicate any potential delays in advance."

What are some alternatives to "a little leeway"?

Alternatives to "a little leeway" include "a bit of flexibility", "some wiggle room", or "a slight allowance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "a little leeway" or "some flexibility"?

"Some flexibility" is generally more formal than "a little leeway", although both are acceptable in most contexts. "A little leeway" can sound more conversational.

What's the difference between "a little leeway" and "complete freedom"?

"A little leeway" implies that there are still some constraints or boundaries, whereas "complete freedom" suggests there are no restrictions at all. "A little leeway" means there's some room to maneuver within those constraints.