Let something slide 不計較，不追究

內容簡介

俗話說：“成大事者，不拘小節”。在遇到無關緊要的小摩擦、小問題時，采取 “let it slide（不計較，不追究）” 的態度反而可能會讓我們更好地把註意力集中到更重要的事情上。聽節目，跟主持人菲菲和 Georgie 學習如何使用表達 “let something slide”。

文字稿

（關於臺詞的備註: 請註意這不是廣播節目的逐字稿件。本文稿可能沒有體現錄制、編輯過程中對節目做出的改變。）

Feifei
Hello and welcome to Authentic Real English, where we explain expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I’m Feifei, and I’m supposed to be joined by Georgie… but where is she?

Georgie
Hi Feifei! I’m so sorry I’m late – my alarm didn’t go off and I overslept!

Feifei
Oh, come on, Georgie! You’re so late. But it’s OK. I’ll let it slide just this once.

Georgie
Thank you so much, Feifei. And you just said you’ll let it slide. And that’s actually the phrase we’re looking at in this programme. So, I was late to work, and thankfully you’re going to let it slide, which probably means you won’t tell my manager right?

Feifei
Yes. ‘Let something slide’ means you ignore a mistake or problem instead of addressing or punishing it. For example, my son did something really naughty last night, but I decided to let it slide because he looked so cute when he did it.

Georgie
You’ve gone soft Feifei – you’re letting everything slide!

Feifei
I must just be in a good mood, Georgie! Use of this phrase often involves an authority figure, for example when a teacher, parent or boss chooses not to enforce a rule.

Georgie
Yes. But it can also be used between equals such as friends or colleagues, when a person decides not to criticise something or bring up an issue. Let’s hear more examples.

Examples
I played a board game with my friends the other day. I got the rules a bit wrong, but luckily they let it slide.

Have you taken my cake again? I’m going to let it slide this time, but if it happens again, I won’t be happy.

I think the referee saw the foul but must have decided it wasn’t that major as he let it slide.

Feifei
你正在收聽的是 AYYBLOG 英語教學的 “地道英語” 節目。以上我們一起學習瞭表達 “let something slide” 的用法。“Let something slide” 的意思是 “放過某事，不再追究”。如果某人犯瞭一個本來應該讓我們生氣或者需要做出處置的錯誤，但我們決定放過他的錯誤或過失，那麼我們就可以說：“I’m going to let it slide. 這次我就放你一馬吧。” But this expression has another meaning, doesn’t it Georgie?

Georgie
Yes. This meaning is also about inaction, but it’s about neglecting your own responsibilities and letting things deteriorate. For example, I had a really good exercise routine at the start of the year, but I’ve really let it slide lately – I’ve been too busy to keep it going.

Feifei
Yes…“Let something slide” 還可以指 “疏於采取某項行動而放任、松懈”。Actually, I’ve been working so hard lately that I keep having to cancel plans with friends. Well, I’ve really let that slide. It’s just so hard to find time for everything, isn’t it?

Georgie
Yeah, it is. But I’m sure your friends will let it slide. They’ll understand. OK, let’s recap. We learned ‘let something slide’, which means to ignore a problem or someone’s mistake and not respond with any action.

Feifei
Thanks for joining us. Bye!

Georgie
Bye.