let it slide

USAGE SUMMARY

"let it slide" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to overlook a mistake or forgive an offense. For example: "I know I forgot your birthday, but let it slide this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I just let it slide.

The New York Times - Sports

Shouldn't we just let it slide?

The New York Times

Still, I couldn't let it slide.

The New York Times

David Williamson doesn't let it slide.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, Dr. Williams said, let it slide.

The New York Times - Health

New York, so far, has let it slide.

The New York Times

Then she let it slide and starting singing.

The New York Times - Arts

Reluctant to cross the N.R.A., they let it slide.

The New York Times

We'll be kicking ourselves if we let it slide".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Should I tell her or just let it slide?

The New York Times

11.08pm BST Yep, Adam Scott really let it slide.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let it slide" when you want to convey a sense of leniency or choosing not to make an issue of something minor. It's suitable for informal conversations and writing where a relaxed tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "let it slide" in professional or academic writing where a more formal and precise expression like "overlook" or "disregard" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let it slide" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, indicating a decision to ignore or overlook something. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples show its frequent use in conversational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let it slide" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey the act of overlooking or ignoring something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and widely used, its informal register makes it more appropriate for casual conversations and less suitable for formal writing. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently encountered in news and media sources. If a more formal tone is required, alternatives like "overlook it" or "disregard it" may be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it pass

Similar to "let it slide", this suggests allowing something to go by without comment or action.

overlook it

This is a direct and simple synonym, focusing on the act of not noticing or considering something.

give it a pass

Similar in meaning, it means to excuse someone's behavior and not punish them or hold them accountable.

turn a blind eye

This phrase implies a deliberate choice to ignore something, often something unethical or illegal. It's slightly stronger than "let it slide".

brush it off

This implies dismissing something as unimportant or not worth worrying about.

look the other way

Suggests a deliberate avoidance of noticing something, often something unpleasant or wrong.

disregard it

This suggests a conscious decision to ignore something, implying it's not important or relevant.

pay no attention to it

A more explicit way of saying to ignore something, emphasizing the lack of focus.

forgive and forget

This focuses on forgiving an offense and moving on, rather than simply ignoring it.

take no notice of it

A polite and formal way of saying to ignore something.

FAQs

What does "let it slide" mean?

The phrase "let it slide" means to ignore a mistake, offense, or inappropriate behavior. It suggests choosing not to address or punish the issue.

How can I use "let it slide" in a sentence?

You can use "let it slide" to indicate that you are choosing to ignore something. For example, "I decided to "let it slide" this time, but don't do it again."

What can I say instead of "let it slide"?

You can use alternatives like "overlook it", "disregard it", or "let it pass" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "let it slide", and when should I address the issue?

It's appropriate to "let it slide" when the issue is minor, unintentional, or unlikely to happen again. Address the issue if it's serious, intentional, or part of a pattern of problematic behavior.