let someone win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let someone win" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where one person allows another to win, often in games or competitions. Example: "He decided to let his younger brother win the game to boost his confidence." Alternative expressions include "allow someone to win" and "give someone a win."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let someone else win!" Warden said, noting that the Tigers last won a World Series in 1984.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone loves you and you've already won Employee of the Month like four times, so just let someone else win it for once because it just would honestly mean a lot to Todd, okay?

Huffington Post

Will her feelings get the better of her? Will she let someone else win so they don't have to die?

The Guardian - Books

My bet is that luck/karma will not side with the horse who lays over this field and will let someone else win.

The New York Times

Even when playing cards with my dad, I just can't let someone else win".

BBC

The only way not to lose in this case is to let someone else win.

Forbes

If we cannot find enough vigor in us or them to win, then let someone else propose the compromise". Which leads to the third step in this process.

Los Angeles Times

Instead of coddling our children with fake praise and training them to expect constant applause, I think we should let someone lose - and let someone else win.

The New York Times

Win, and now fuc& off to let someone else clear up your mess.

Huffington Post

Let someone else let them in.

The New York Times - Magazine

Never let someone define you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "let someone win", consider the context and ensure that the act of allowing someone to win aligns with the overall message you are trying to convey. Be mindful of the implications of intentionally allowing someone to win, as it may not always be perceived positively.

Common error

Avoid using "let someone win" when the intended meaning is simply that someone achieved victory through their own merit. The phrase implies a degree of intentionality or allowance that may not be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let someone win" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of permitting or allowing another person to achieve victory. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "let someone win" describes intentionally allowing another person to achieve victory. While grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use depends heavily on context. It is a verb phrase indicating permission or allowance. Semantically related alternatives include "allow someone to triumph" or "give someone the victory". When using this phrase, be mindful of the implied intentionality and ensure it aligns with your intended message. Over all, it highlights the importance of considering the context and implications when using this phrase, and avoid the error of interchanging it with similar and yet distinct actions such as “help someone win”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give someone the victory

Emphasizes the act of handing over the win, implying a deliberate choice.

step aside and let someone win

Explicitly describes the act of giving up one's own chance to win in favor of another person.

allow someone to triumph

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

permit someone's victory

Uses "permit" instead of "let", which emphasizes the act of allowing or authorizing the win.

enable someone to succeed

Focuses on facilitating success, which is a broader concept than just winning a competition.

facilitate someone's triumph

Similar to "enable someone to succeed", but with a more formal tone using "triumph".

concede victory to someone

Highlights the act of acknowledging defeat and allowing the other person to win.

make way for someone's win

Suggests clearing obstacles or stepping aside to allow someone else to achieve victory.

engineer someone's success

Suggests manipulating events to ensure someone else wins, often through strategic planning.

throw the game for someone

Implies intentionally losing to let someone else win, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "let someone win" in a sentence?

You can use "let someone win" to describe a situation where one person intentionally allows another to achieve victory. For example, "He decided to "let someone win" the game to boost their confidence."

What's a more formal way to say "let someone win"?

A more formal alternative to "let someone win" could be "permit someone's victory" or "allow someone to triumph", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it always a good idea to "let someone win"?

Not necessarily. The appropriateness of "letting someone win" depends on the context. It might be beneficial in friendly games to encourage a child, but it would be inappropriate in a competitive setting.

What's the difference between "let someone win" and "help someone win"?

"Let someone win" implies allowing someone to win, potentially by not trying your best. "Help someone win" suggests actively assisting someone in achieving victory through support or guidance.