Idiom - Cut Someone Some Slack

Meaning

  • To treat (someone) in a less harsh or critical way
  • To not judge someone as severely as you usually would because they are having problems at the present time

Examples

  • “Bill’s late again.” “Cut him some slack - his wife just had a baby.”
  • Would you give/cut me some slack? I’m doing the best I can.
  • When you’re new at a job, colleagues and bosses cut you a little slack. They forgive minor mistakes because you’re new.