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cut some slack

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cut somebody some slack

(spoken)

to give someone additional freedom I'm going to cut you some slack. Because it's the last day of classes, we don't have to talk anything serious today. If you and your kids don't agree about their futures, cut them some slack - explain your views, but don't try to force them to agree.

See also: cut, slack

cut somebody some slack

  (American & Australian informal)

to allow someone to do something that is not usually allowed, or to treat someone less severely than is usual Officials have asked the Environmental Protection Agency to cut Utah some slack in enforcing the Clean Air Act.

See also: cut, slack