leave no margin for error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave no margin for error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the need for precision and accuracy in a task or situation, indicating that mistakes are not acceptable. Example: "In this high-stakes project, we must leave no margin for error to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Money

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Today the eight mega-deals that are still in the hands of their original acquirers have balance-sheets that by any reasonable standard leave no margin for error.

The Economist

However, defeat would leave no margin for error in their final two group games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The mutual mistrust has left no margin for error.

The Economist

Nicholls knew he had left no margin for error in the horse's fitness.

Independent

We left no margin for error, making it to the peak in five and a half hours, stopping only for food and water.

The Guardian - Travel

The trainer would have given a different answer about a month ago, when the horse bruised a foot and missed work, leaving no margin for error in his preparation.

The Guardian - Sport

A two-match pool stage — West Indies plays its second match against Ireland, a dangerous underdog, Monday — leaves no margin for error or slow starts.

The New York Times - Sports

"We made a policy decision that we would attempt to avoid purchases on the 31 March as that left no margin for error should money be delayed in the system until 1 April," he added.

The Guardian - Money

Trying to repot 22 federal agencies and 170,000 workers into a new cabinet department would be difficult enough at any time, but doing so under the threat of terrorist attack leaves no margin for error.

The New York Times

From the release of financials to the mailing date could be just a matter of a scant few weeks, leaving no margin for error.

Forbes

The cyber world leaves no margin for error.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "leave no margin for error" when outlining the critical requirements for a project's success, especially when even small deviations could lead to significant problems.

Common error

Avoid using "leave no margin for error" in situations where minor mistakes are acceptable or easily correctable. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave no margin for error" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize the critical need for accuracy and precision. It highlights that mistakes are unacceptable and can have significant consequences. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Sport

32%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leave no margin for error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that underscores the critical need for accuracy and precision in high-stakes situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct in the written English and suggests that mistakes are unacceptable due to potentially significant negative consequences. While versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, it is most commonly found in News and Media and Business, where emphasizing the importance of diligence is paramount. Related phrases include "allow no room for error" and "tolerate no mistakes", offering alternative ways to convey the same message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow no room for error

Emphasizes the absence of space for mistakes.

permit no leeway for mistakes

Highlights that no deviation from the correct course is allowed.

tolerate no mistakes

Focuses on the strict intolerance of errors.

afford no space for errors

Indicates that errors cannot be accommodated within the given constraints.

leave no scope for mistakes

Suggests that there is no possibility for errors to occur within the defined parameters.

leave no latitude for mistakes

Implies there's no freedom to make errors.

accept no errors

Directly states that errors will not be accepted.

allow for zero mistakes

Uses a numerical value to emphasize the complete absence of allowable errors.

demand perfection

Highlights the need for flawless execution.

require absolute precision

Emphasizes the necessity of extreme accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "leave no margin for error" in a sentence?

You can use "leave no margin for error" to emphasize the need for precision and accuracy, as in "In this high-stakes project, we must "leave no margin for error" to ensure its success".

What are some alternatives to "leave no margin for error"?

Alternatives include phrases like "allow no room for error", "permit no leeway for mistakes", or "tolerate no mistakes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "there's no margin for error"?

Yes, "there's no margin for error" is a grammatically correct and commonly used variant of ""leave no margin for error"". Both phrases convey the same meaning.

What does it mean when someone says "there's no margin for error"?

It means that the situation requires perfect execution, as any mistake could have serious consequences. Essentially, it's a way of saying there's no room for mistakes.