cut someone some slack
Ease the pressure
To cut someone some slack is to ease up on them—to be less critical, demanding, or strict.
The image comes from loosening a rope or line that's been pulled tight.
Cut me some slack, I just started this job last week.
Often used as a request for leniency or patience when someone is struggling or learning.
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- lighten upBecome less serious
- ease offBecome less intense
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
wiggle room · breathing room · patience · understanding · benefit of the doubt · leeway · overlook · flexibility · respite · ease up · take it easy · turn a blind eye · clemency · mercy · let off the hook · let bygones be bygones · pardon · second chance
cut someone some slackcrack down on
Enforce rules harshly
throw the book at · hold someone's feet to the fire · read someone the riot act · lay down the law · hold to account
cut someone some slackgive someone a hard time
Tease or criticize persistently
jump down someone's throat · pile on · rake over the coals · rip into · lambaste
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