Phrase guide

let slide

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To let go; to allow; to release; to pass over without action.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Near-synonym: let ride
  • The police officer let the ticket slide when she found her brother-in-law's car illegally parked.
  • The administrator let the minor infraction slide with only a disapproving look.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: let something ride

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To pass out of one's thought as not being of any consequence.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To tolerate a violation of a norm from.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The judge let me slide on the speeding, but not on a $200 seat-belt violation.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To allow the condition of something to deteriorate due to negligence or apathy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He let the farm slide after inheriting it from his father.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see let, slide.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English leten sliden (“to disregard, put aside, let pass, neglect”), equivalent to let + slide.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: mennä — to let pass
  • Slovene: (neopaženo) miniti — to let pass
  • Spanish: dejar correr — To let go; to allow; to release; to pass over without action. To tolerate a violation of a norm from