slack the rope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slack the rope" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts involving sailing, climbing, or any situation where a rope needs to be loosened or released. Example: "To adjust the tension on the sail, you need to slack the rope carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We drew closer together as Tenzing brought in the slack on the rope," he wrote.

The New York Times

In that way, he created enough slack in the rope for me to unclip.

The New Yorker

But as I took in the slack from the rope and felt the cage move, I was glad to be crossing the Apurímac like this, hand over hand in the darkness.

The Guardian - Travel

The belayer must anticipate when the leader needs slack or the rope tightened.

WikiHow

If you do, you'll allow slack into the rope, which can cause you to lose control.[3].

WikiHow

As their balance skills grow, you can let out more slack in the rope, yet still have the ability to catch them and keep them from falling by pulling the rope tightly upward.

WikiHow

You can use a come-a-long or another ratcheting device to help take up any slack in the rope to make sure the drop net is tight.[11].[11]

WikiHow

When there is no more slack in the rope dive your head in the water like you're trying to touch the bottom of the lake with the top of your head.

WikiHow

There cannot be any slack in the rope with the boat starts going or else it will jerk the water skier forward and cause them to lose their balance.

WikiHow

On Saturday night Angulo hadn't been "defenseless," in the traditional boxing sense: leaning slack against the ropes, semiconscious, head sluing.

The New Yorker

Give him plenty of slack in the rope---about 3 4 feet (0.9 1.2 m) is best to start with.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sailing or climbing, use "slack the rope" to instruct someone to loosen the rope, allowing for adjustments or movement.

Common error

Avoid excessive force when tightening a rope after slacking it. Over-tightening can damage the rope or the objects it secures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slack the rope" primarily functions as an imperative, instructing someone to loosen a rope. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in contexts involving sailing or climbing.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slack the rope" is a grammatically correct imperative used to instruct someone to loosen a rope. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in sailing, climbing, or any context requiring rope adjustment. While alternatives like "loosen the rope" or "release the rope" exist, "slack the rope" specifically implies a controlled reduction in tension. It is most common in Wiki and News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. Remember to avoid over-tightening when re-tensioning the rope after slacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loosen the rope

Focuses on making the rope less tight, suitable for various contexts.

release the rope

Implies a complete letting go or freeing of the rope.

give the rope some slack

Suggests providing additional looseness in the rope.

pay out the rope

Used in sailing or climbing contexts to describe extending the rope.

ease the rope

Suggests a gradual reduction in tension.

untighten the rope

Directly indicates reversing the tightening of the rope.

free the rope

Implies freeing a rope that is constrained or entangled.

unwind the rope

Suggests unraveling a coiled or twisted rope.

reduce tension on the rope

A more formal way of expressing the reduction of tightness.

make the rope less taut

Emphasizes the state of the rope becoming less stretched.

FAQs

How can I use "slack the rope" in a sentence?

You can use "slack the rope" to instruct someone to loosen a rope. For example, "Slack the rope a bit so I can adjust the sail."

What does it mean to "slack the rope"?

To "slack the rope" means to loosen it or reduce the tension on it, often in the context of sailing, climbing, or securing objects.

Is there a difference between "loosen the rope" and "slack the rope"?

"Loosen the rope" and "slack the rope" are often used interchangeably, but "slack" might imply a more controlled or specific reduction in tension.

When is it appropriate to use "slack the rope"?

Use "slack the rope" when you need to reduce the tension on a rope to make adjustments, allow movement, or prevent damage. It's common in sailing, climbing, and construction.