# live and let live

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/live-and-let-live
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be tolerant; to enjoy the pleasures and opportunities which life offers and to allow others to do the same.

## Examples

- We live and let live in our neighborhood.
- You should live and let live instead of judging your friends' hobbies.
- My neighbors have different beliefs than mine, but we prefer to live and let live.
- Even though I disagree with how my sister raises her children, I choose to live and let live to keep our family dinners peaceful.
- The travelers decided to live and let live when they realized their roommates had very different sleeping habits and cultural traditions.
- Despite their profound ideological differences, the two colleagues agreed to live and let live to maintain a productive working relationship.

## Origin

The phrase is possibly a calque of the Dutch *leven en laten leven*, appearing in English as *leuen ende laeten leuen* in 1622. This particular iteration was recorded by Gerard de Malynes in a treatise concerning the laws of trade. The sentiment appears to have entered the language as a matter of mercantile policy rather than moral philosophy. (disputed)

---

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.