- To be less critical or demanding of someone; to give them a break or allow them more latitude.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely comes from nautical terminology.
- A 'slack' rope is one that is loose, not taut.
- To 'cut some slack' might refer to literally cutting a rope to loosen it, or more likely, figuratively easing the tension or pressure on someone, like loosening a mooring line (slack) to allow a boat more room to move without strain.
- It implies reducing the strictness or demands placed on a person.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Chill out (on them)
- Lay off (them)
- Get off their back
- Give 'em some breathing room
Vulgar/Emphatic: (Usually expressing frustration *at* the person needing slack, or telling someone forcefully to back off)
- Get off their ass!
- Stop busting their balls!
Milder/Formal:
- Be more understanding
- Exercise some forbearance
- Show some leniency
- Allow for mitigating circumstances
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Very common in everyday conversation, including workplaces, among friends, and in families.
- Tone matters; it can be a gentle suggestion or a more forceful demand.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Entirely figurative. Learners might wonder what slack (loose rope or fabric) has to do with criticism. Explain the metaphor of reducing tension or pressure.
Examples
- He's new to the job, cut him some slack while he's learning.
- Cut me some slack, I've had a really long day!
- Maybe we should cut her some slack; she's been dealing with a lot personally.
Dialogue
Anna: Mark submitted the report late again! I'm going to talk to him.
Ben: Hold on, Anna. His computer crashed yesterday, and he lost some work. Maybe cut him some slack this time?
Anna: Oh, I didn't know that. Okay, you're right. I'll let it slide.
Ben: Thanks. I'm sure he appreciates it.
Social Media Examples
- Comment on a critical post: Dude, cut them some slack. Everyone makes mistakes.
- Tweet: Feeling overwhelmed this week. Universe, please cut me some slack! 🙏 #stressed #needabreak
- Forum Post: To everyone complaining about the game update delay: the devs are working hard! Cut them some slack! #gamedev #patience
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, you're right., Okay, I'll ease up., Good point.
- Reluctance/Disagreement: But they keep making the same mistake!, They need to learn.
- If asking for slack: Okay, fine., Alright, take it easy.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After suggesting Cut them some slack:
- Explaining the reasoning further: They just started last week., Remember what they're going through.
- Observing if the other person becomes less critical.
After being told Okay, I'll cut you some slack:
- Expressing gratitude: Thanks, I appreciate it.
- Taking advantage of the leniency (hopefully responsibly).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response or suggestion within a conversation, usually about someone's behavior or performance.
Intonation
- Often said with a pleading or mediating tone. Stress usually on CUT and SLACK. CUT someone some SLACK.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Very common in North American English. Also understood and used in the UK, Australia, etc., perhaps slightly less frequently than give someone a break.