let it be: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘let it be’ mean?
The idiom "let it be" means to leave something alone or to not interfere with a situation. It suggests accepting or allowing things to happen without trying to control or change them.
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 slide" means to intentionally ignore or disregard something, usually a mistake or an offense, without taking any action or expressing disapproval.
The idiom "let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid interfering in a situation, especially if it may cause trouble or controversy. It suggests leaving things as they are, without disturbing or reigniting potential conflicts or problems.
The idiom "let one's hair down" means to relax or be less formal or restrained, often in a social setting.
The idiom "let off" means to release or allow someone to escape punishment, usually in a lenient or forgiving manner.
The idiom "let nature take its course" means to allow events to unfold naturally without interference or intervention, accepting the outcome as it occurs.
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.
The idiom "let go and let God" means to surrender control and trust in a higher power or fate to handle a situation. It suggests releasing worries and anxieties, accepting things that cannot be changed, and having faith in a divine plan or intervention.
The idiom "let fly" means to release or throw something forcefully or with great speed. It can also refer to speaking or expressing oneself freely and without restraint.
Unleashing Serene Power
The idiom "let it be" is a commonly used English expression that conveys the idea of accepting a situation or not interfering with something. It has its roots in the English language and has been in use for many decades.
The phrase "let it be" encourages someone to stop trying to control or change a situation and instead allow it to unfold naturally. It advises against worrying or stressing over something that is beyond one's control. The idiom implies a sense of detachment and acceptance.
One possible source of inspiration for the idiom could be the religious connotations associated with the phrase. In Christianity, "let it be" is taken from the Bible, specifically the verse in Luke 22:42 where Jesus says, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." This verse could have influenced the use of the idiom to convey the idea of surrendering to a higher power or accepting divine will.
Another potential influence for the idiom "let it be" is the poem "The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam" by Edward FitzGerald. In this poem, there is a line that reads, "The Moving finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it." This line suggests accepting the immutable nature of fate and not dwelling on or trying to change the past.
A related idiom is "leave it be," which has a similar meaning. It emphasizes the importance of refraining from interfering with something and allowing it to remain as it is. "Leave it be" is often used to convey the idea of leaving things alone and not trying to fix or change them.
Another related idiom is "let nature take its course." This expression emphasizes the idea of allowing natural processes to occur without interference. Just as nature follows its own course, this idiom encourages individuals to let things happen naturally and avoid trying to control or manipulate them.
Similarly, the expression "leave someone to their own devices" conveys the idea of giving someone the freedom to do things in their own way, without interference or assistance. It suggests allowing individuals to rely on their own abilities and judgment rather than imposing one's own ideas or opinions.
The idiom "let go and let God" is another expression related to "let it be." It suggests surrendering control and placing trust in a higher power. This idiom is often used to encourage individuals to release their worries or burdens and have faith that things will work out as they are meant to.
Lastly, the phrase "go with the flow" is another idiom that aligns with the concept of "let it be." It encourages individuals to adapt to and accept the current circumstances, rather than resisting or trying too hard to change them. By going with the flow, individuals can navigate through life's challenges with greater ease and flexibility.
The popularity of the idiom "let it be" was further solidified by the release of the iconic Beatles song of the same name in 1970. The song, written by Paul McCartney, carries a similar message of accepting and embracing life's challenges. It became a major hit and helped to popularize the phrase in modern culture.
To summarize, the idiom "let it be" has deep root in the English language and has been influenced by religious texts, philosophical poetry, and popular music. It conveys the idea of accepting, surrendering, and letting things take their natural course. The related idioms "leave it be," "let nature take its course," "leave someone to their own devices," "let go and let God," and "go with the flow" all convey similar messages of acceptance and non-interference. "Let it be" remains a powerful and versatile phrase that resonates with people in various contexts.
Example usage
Analysis:
The idiom "let it be" is often used to suggest leaving a situation as it is, without trying to change or interfere with it. It can be used in various contexts to convey a sense of acceptance or non-interference. Here are three examples of how this idiom can be used in a sentence:
After arguing with my friend about politics, I decided to just let it be and move on to a different topic.
The stain on my shirt was not coming out, so I let it be and wore a sweater instead.
Instead of constantly worrying about the outcome, I chose to trust the process and let it be.
In these examples, "let it be" is used to indicate an acceptance of the situation or a decision to not interfere or try to change something. It emphasizes the idea of allowing things to unfold naturally or accepting things as they are without further action or intervention.
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