cut someone some slack
To make allowances for someone, and not treat a failure severely.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Please cut me some slack, I am very tired today.”
“The boss decided to cut the new employee some slack because he was still learning the software.”
“Given the unprecedented challenges the team faced during the project, the manager chose to cut them some slack regarding the missed deadline.”
disputed origin
From the literal slack (looseness) in a rope, as when docking a ship or loosening a line; loosening the rope eases the strain.
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 04
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
- 05
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
- 06
call someone everything but a child of God
To call someone many abusive names.
- 07
catch someone napping
To take advantage of someone's inattention.
- 08
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
Last updated August 10, 2026