let (something) slide

phrase

informal
: to do nothing about (something, such as another person's mistake or bad behavior) : to ignore (something)
You were late this morning. I'll let it slide this time, but don't let it happen again.
It may be best to let things slide this time.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Let (something) slide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20%28something%29%20slide. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster