let someone down

let (one) down

To fail or disappoint one; to neglect or be unable to do what was wanted, required, or promised. Dad said he'd be here to watch my baseball game, but he let me down again. I'm counting on you to close this deal, Robert—don't let me down. Jenny always felt pressure not to let down her parents in her studies.See also: down, let

let someone down

1. Fail to support someone; also, disappoint someone. For example, I was counting on John to come, but he let me down, or The team didn't want to let down the coach. [Late 1400s] A British phrase with the same meaning is let the side down, alluding to some kind of competition (sports, politics) and dating from the mid-1900s. It is occasionally used in America. 2. let someone down easy. Convey bad or disappointing news in a considerate way, so as to spare the person's self-respect. For example, The teacher knew that Paul would have to repeat the course and that there was no way to let him down easy . [Colloquial; mid-1700s] Also see let down. See also: down, let, someone