How to Pronounce "leave to the imagination"
expression
LEEV tuh THEE ih-MAJ-uh-NAY-shuhn
LEEV tuh thee im-AJ-in-AY-shuhn
Definition
To not provide every detail and allow the listener or viewer to use their own creativity or thoughts to fill in the gaps.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫiv/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˌɪˌmædʒəˈneɪʃən
British English
lˈiːv/ /tˈuː/ /ðə, ði/ /ɪmˌædʒɪnˈeɪʃən
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LEEV tuh THEE ih-MAJ-uh-NAY-shuhn
UK
LEEV tuh thee im-AJ-in-AY-shuhn
Listen in Context
The artist wanted to leave to the imagination what the painting truly meant.
Good writers often leave to the imagination how a story ends.
The movie doesn't explain everything; it leaves some things to the imagination.
The dress is elegant because it leaves a lot to the imagination.