Let down gently Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫɛt/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈdʒɛntɫi

LET DOWN JEN-tlee

UK

lˈɛt/ /dˈaʊn/ /dʒˈɛntli

let DOWN JEN-tlee

Definition

To refuse or disappoint someone in a kind and careful way so that their feelings are not hurt.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used when turning down a proposal (romantic, job offer, etc.) or giving bad news. Softer and more considerate than just 'let down.' Typical collocations: 'let him down gently,' 'let her down gently.' Implies you care about the person's feelings.

• Spanish: dejar caer suavemente (emocionalmente) - rechazar amablemente
• Portuguese (BR): decepcionar delicadamente - rejeitar com delicadeza
• Portuguese (PT): desiludir suavemente - rejeitar com delicadeza
• Chinese (Simplified): 委婉地拒绝 - 温和地让某人失望
• Chinese (Traditional): 委婉地拒絕 - 溫和地讓某人失望
• Hindi: धीरे से मना करना - कोमलता से निराश करना
• Arabic: رفض بلطف - تخفيف الصدمة
• Bengali: নরমভাবে প্রত্যাখ্যান করা - সাবধানে ফিরিয়ে দেওয়া
• Russian: мягко отказать - деликатно огорчить
• Japanese: やんわり断る
• Vietnamese: từ chối nhẹ nhàng - từ chối khéo léo
• Korean: 부드럽게 거절하다 - 조심스럽게 실망시키다
• Turkish: nazikçe reddetmek - kibarca incitmeden geri çevirmek
• Urdu: نرمی سے انکار کرنا - احتیاط سے مایوس کرنا
• Indonesian: menolak dengan lembut - mengecewakan dengan hati-hati

Example Sentences

I had to let him down gently when he asked me out.

basic

She tried to let her friend down gently after hearing the bad news.

basic

The manager will let you down gently if you don’t get the job.

basic

He was nervous, but she managed to let him down gently and they stayed friends.

natural

When turning someone down, it’s best to let them down gently to avoid hurt feelings.

natural

I didn’t want to crush his hopes, so I tried to let him down gently.

natural