Cut some slack Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkət/ /ˈsəm/ /ˈsɫæk

KUT sum SLAK

UK

kˈʌt/ /sˈʌm/ /slˈæk

kut SUM SLAK

Definition

To be less strict or give someone more freedom, often because you understand they are in a difficult situation.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, common in spoken English. Usually used with 'could you' or 'let's', e.g., 'cut him some slack.' Shows empathy or patience. Can refer to work, rules, or expectations. Not about literal rope or slack.

• Spanish: dar un poco de margen - ser más comprensivo
• Portuguese (BR): pegar uma folga - aliviar (dar um desconto)
• Portuguese (PT): dar uma folga - ser mais compreensivo
• Chinese (Simplified): 网开一面 - 放宽要求
• Chinese (Traditional): 網開一面 - 放寬要求
• Hindi: छूट देना - समझदारी दिखाना
• Arabic: تساهل معه - التماس له العذر
• Bengali: থোড় ছাড় দেওয়া - একটু ছাড় দেওয়া
• Russian: дать послабление - проявить снисходительность
• Japanese: 大目に見る - 手を抜く
• Vietnamese: du di hơn - nới lỏng quy định
• Korean: 봐주다 - 느슨하게 하다
• Turkish: göz yummak - müsamaha göstermek
• Urdu: نرمی برتنا - رعایت کرنا
• Indonesian: memberi kelonggaran - memaklumi

Example Sentences

Can you cut some slack for him? He's new here.

basic

Let’s cut some slack and finish the project tomorrow.

basic

The teacher decided to cut some slack for the students after the exam.

basic

Come on, cut me some slack, I’ve been working all night.

natural

If your friend is late again, try to cut her some slack—she has a tough job.

natural

I wish my boss would cut some slack when things get busy.

natural