# cut someone some slack

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cut-someone-some-slack
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make allowances for someone, and not treat a failure severely.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

From the literal slack (looseness) in a rope, as when docking a ship or loosening a line; loosening the rope eases the strain. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.