let someone down gently
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
English · United States 1398
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in the US — distinctly American usage first, then widespread staples.
let someone go
to release or dismiss someone from a job or relationship
let someone have it
to scold or punish someone severely
let something slip
Accidentally reveal a secret or piece of information
let that sink in
Give that information time to be fully understood and considered.
let the buyer beware
Buyers are responsible for ensuring goods are as expected
let the chips fall where they may
To accept the consequences of a decision or action without trying to control them
Let the dead bury the dead (N.T.)
Focus on the living, not the past
let the grass grow under one's feet
to not take action or make progress
let the perfect be the enemy of the good
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
let the punishment fit the crime
A penalty should match the severity of the offense
let them eat cake
to be indifferent to others' suffering
let things alone
to leave something unchanged or untouched
let things be
to leave a situation or problem alone without trying to change it
let this cup pass from me
To avoid a difficult or unpleasant situation
let well alone
Do not interfere with something that is already satisfactory
let your hair down
Relax and be yourself
let's be having you
Come on, let's get moving or take action
let's get the party started
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
let's get this circus on the road
Let's start or continue this project or activity
let's not and say we did
To pretend something was done to avoid actually doing it
letters after one's name
Academic or professional qualifications
level best
to do something as well as one can
level off
to stop increasing or decreasing and remain steady
level to the ground
completely destroyed or demolished
level with
be honest or truthful with someone
Lewis and Clark
pioneers or explorers
libel chill
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
licence to print money
A very profitable business or activity
lick 'em and stick 'em
A fixed-order word pair (irreversible binomial); full definition pending editorial review.
lick and a promise
A superficial or cursory effort
lick into shape
to train or discipline someone into an acceptable state
lick log
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
lick my balls
to do something extremely unpleasant or humiliating
lick one's chops
To show eagerness or anticipation, often for something unpleasant to happen to someone else
lick one's wounds
to rest and recover after a defeat or setback
lick out
to thoroughly search or clean out
lick someone's ass
to excessively flatter or try to win someone's favor
lick someone's balls
to excessively flatter or try to please someone
lick the pants off
to thoroughly outdo or defeat someone
lie at someone's door
be someone's responsibility or fault
Lie back and think of England
Endure an unpleasant situation with stoic resignation
lie before
To exist or be present in the future
lie ill in one's mouth
to be unconvincing or implausible
lie in one's throat
To speak falsely or tell a lie
lie in wait
To remain hidden and ready to attack or surprise someone
lie low
To avoid attention or detection by hiding or remaining quiet
lie through one's teeth
to tell lies or falsehoods deliberately
life and limb
At risk of serious injury or death
life and soul of the party
The most lively and entertaining person at a social gathering
life begins at forty
People often reach their prime after age 40
life is not all beer and skittles
Life has its unpleasant aspects
life is too short
One should prioritize enjoyment and not waste time on unpleasant things
life is too short not to do something that matters
Prioritize meaningful activities
life is what you make it
One's experiences and circumstances are shaped by personal choices and attitudes
life of its own
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
life of Riley
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
life of the party
The most entertaining and lively person in a social gathering
life or death
extremely important or serious
life's a bitch
Life is difficult and unfair