let him win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let him win" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is allowing another person to win, often to be kind or to encourage them. Example: "In the spirit of good sportsmanship, I decided to let him win the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But let him win occasionally".

The New York Times - Arts

"I'll never let him win".

The Guardian - Sport

But we won't let him win".

The New York Times

I'll do my best not to let him win one.

Independent

Do you think they will let him win?" (It's always "let him win" not just "win").

The New York Times

Still, I can't let him win me over entirely..

The Guardian

My job is to not let him win the game".

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't let him win," he says firmly.

The Guardian

Oh, and I let him win by the way.

The Guardian

It was also the first time I hadn't let him win at one of our games.

The New Yorker

In the essay, Simon basked in victory before slowly realizing that Nathaniel maybe let him win.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let him win" to express the idea of allowing someone to achieve a victory, often out of kindness or strategic intent. This phrase is suitable for both informal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "let him win" when you mean to convey that someone achieved victory entirely on their own merit. This phrase implies at least some level of assistance or concession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let him win" functions as a verb phrase, expressing the act of permitting or allowing someone to achieve victory. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, ranging from sporting events to political scenarios, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase is typically used to denote a situation where the outcome is not solely determined by merit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let him win" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate allowing or permitting someone to achieve victory, implying that the outcome wasn't solely determined by the individual's abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly within news and media. While it implies a degree of concession or assistance, it's essential to ensure that the expression's usage aligns with the intended meaning, lest it misrepresent a scenario where the victory was achieved solely on merit. Related phrases, such as "give him the victory" or "allow him to triumph", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Finally, remember the potential for misinterpretation; the expression is most accurate when victory isn't solely earned, offering the perfect opportunity to convey your message precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give him the victory

Focuses on the act of bestowing the win upon someone, often implying a deliberate choice.

allow him to triumph

Replaces "win" with a more formal synonym, "triumph", suggesting a grander or more significant victory.

hand him the win

Suggests an easy or effortless victory given to someone.

permit him to succeed

Emphasizes the granting of permission for success, shifting the focus to the act of allowing rather than the victory itself.

let him be victorious

Replaces "win" with a more sophisticated synonym, "victorious", suggesting a state of triumph.

enable his victory

Highlights the act of providing the means or opportunity for someone to win.

concede the match to him

Specifically refers to conceding a competition, implying a formal or acknowledged defeat.

ensure his success

Shifts the focus to guaranteeing a positive outcome for the other person.

throw the game for him

Implies a deliberate act of losing to allow someone else to win, often with a negative connotation.

arrange for him to win

Highlights the planning and orchestration involved in ensuring someone else's victory.

FAQs

What does it mean to "let him win"?

To "let him win" means to allow someone to achieve victory, often by not trying your best or by deliberately conceding. It implies that the win was not solely earned through skill or effort.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "let him win"?

The phrase "let him win" is appropriate when you want to convey that someone was allowed to win, perhaps out of kindness, strategic advantage, or another motivating factor. It's also applicable when describing situations where someone was given an unfair advantage. For example: 'Since it was Sharp's birthday, Fouad was happy to "let him win".'

Are there alternative ways to say "let him win"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "give him the victory", "allow him to triumph", or "permit him to succeed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "let him win" grammatically correct?

Yes, "let him win" is grammatically correct. The verb 'let' is used in the causative sense, indicating that someone is allowing or permitting another person to achieve a victory.