let down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘let down’ mean?
The idiom "let down" means to disappoint or fail to fulfill someone's expectations or hopes.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "let someone go" means to allow someone to leave or end a relationship, usually in a work context, such as firing an employee or ending a romantic relationship.
The idiom "let someone down gently" means to disappoint or reject someone in a kind and considerate way, often to soften the blow of bad news or a refusal.
The idiom *let slip* means to accidentally reveal something that was supposed to be kept secret or to accidentally lose control of a situation. It can also mean to miss an opportunity or to fail to take advantage of something. The idiom is often used when someone unintentionally says or does something that they shouldn't have, leading to unforeseen consequences.
The idiom "let one's hair down" means to relax or be less formal or restrained, often in a social setting.
The idiom "let oneself go" means to stop making an effort to maintain one's appearance or behavior, often resulting in a decline or deterioration in one's physical or emotional state.
The idiom "let on" means to reveal or disclose something, often a secret or information that was previously unknown. It implies that the information was not openly known or shared, and someone has now chosen to make it known to others.
The idiom "let off" means to release or allow someone to escape punishment, usually in a lenient or forgiving manner.
The idiom "let loose" means to allow someone or something to be free or unleashed. It can also mean to relax, have fun, or engage in uninhibited behavior. This expression is often used to describe a release of emotion or energy.
The idiom "let it all hang out" means to be completely uninhibited or to openly express one's emotions, thoughts, or desires without holding back. It implies being authentic and unrestricted in one's behavior or communication.
Decoding the Disappointing Let Down
The idiom "let someone down gently" is a variation of the phrase "let down". It is often used when someone wants to soften the blow of disappointing or failing another person. Instead of simply "letting them down", the phrase "let someone down gently" implies a more careful, considerate approach to delivering bad news or not meeting someone's expectations.
When using the idiom "let someone down gently", the word "gently" adds a sense of compassion and empathy to the act of disappointing someone. It suggests that the person delivering the news or failing to meet expectations is aware of the other person's feelings and is making an effort to minimize the impact of the disappointment.
For example, if a manager has to inform an employee that they did not get a promotion they were hoping for, they might choose to "let them down gently" by explaining the reasons behind the decision and offering support or guidance for future opportunities. This approach shows consideration for the employee's emotions and helps maintain a positive relationship despite the disappointment.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "let down" can be used in a sentence:
- She was really counting on her friend to help her move, but he let her down at the last minute.
- The team worked hard to prepare for the match, but their performance on the field let down their coach.
- He promised to finish the project on time, but his failure to do so really let down his colleagues.
Analysis:
The idiom "let down" is used to describe a situation where someone fails to meet expectations or disappoints someone. It is often used when someone's actions or behavior fail to live up to what was expected or promised.
In the first example sentence, the friend was expected to help with the move, but his last-minute cancellation disappointed the person who was counting on him.
In the second example, the team had prepared for the match, but their performance on the field was below expectations and disappointed their coach.
The third example sentence highlights someone's failure to fulfill a promise, leading to disappointment and a sense of letting down their colleagues.
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