make allowance
Factor in exceptions
To make allowance for something is to take it into account when planning or judging: We made allowance for traffic and left early, The teacher made allowance for the student's learning disability.
The phrase suggests adjusting expectations or accommodations rather than holding to strict standards.
Making allowances (plural) often implies being lenient or forgiving: I'm willing to make allowances because she's new to the job.
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- give leewayAllow margin for error
- budgetingAllocating funds systematically
- tight budgetSeverely limited funds
- considerationCareful thought or compensation
cut some slack · empathy · planning · adjustment · patience · accommodation · flexibility · wiggle room · contingency · generosity · leeway · adaptation · forgiveness · margin · pardon · benefit of the doubt · allocation · tolerance
make allowancehold accountable
Require someone to justify actions
come down hard · throw the book at · condemn · crack down · hold to account
make, makes, making, maker, makers, allowance, allowances, allow, allows