Cut somebody Slack – Conversation Practice

Suzy: Why didn’t you finish the report? You knew the due date was today.

Klay: I was just overloaded with things to do. I didn’t have enough time to finish, but I will be able to finish by the end of the day.

Suzy: I’m tired of your excuses. You need to manage your time better, so you can finish your work before the deadline.

Klay: Suzy, you need to cut me some slack. I’m trying my best. I have so many clients to take care of and work to do. It is impossible for me to finish it all. I will finish the report as soon as possible and give it to you.

Suzy: You ask me to cut you some slack, but you are the only person who this happens to. Other people have the same amount of work, but they manage to finish on time.

Klay: I guess we just have different working styles. Anyway, I’m sorry the work is late, and I’ll get it to you soon.

Suzy: Fine.

1. to cut (somebody) some slack: to not be too hard on (somebody); to not yell at or criticize a person for their mistake

  • We cut him some slack because he is a new employee.

  • She has not been doing good work lately, but we cut her some slack because she just got divorced.

2. to be overloaded with: to have too much to handle

  • I am overloaded with work today.

  • She said that she is overloaded with things to think about.

3. to manage one’s time well: to use one’s time in a smart way

  • If you want to be successful in this industry, then you have to manage your time well.

  • I don’t manage my time well, so I often fall behind on my work.