To "let it be" means to accept a situation as it is and not interfere or try to change it. In other words, it suggests taking a hands-off approach and allowing things to unfold on their own without interference.
In short:
"Let it be" means accepting circumstances and not intervening or worrying about them.
You may use the idiom "let it be" to convey the idea of accepting a situation or circumstance as it is. It suggests that one should not worry about things that are beyond their control and instead allow things to unfold naturally. One can apply this phrase to various contexts, including personal relationships, work situations, or life events.
Other expressions related to "let it be" include "go with the flow," "live and let live," and "que sera sera," which all convey a similar message of acceptance and not stressing over things beyond one's control.
Tracing back to the 12th century, the history and origin of the idiom "let it be" are closely linked to the first appearance of the verbal phrase "let be" in the English language. The phrase meant "let someone or something alone." And was also defined as "to leave undisturbed, not to meddle with; to abstain from doing (an action); to leave off. This expression evolved over time, and its meaning has remained consistent, signifying the idea of accepting and not interfering with situations or circumstances.
The most famous and well-known use of the phrase "let it be" is undoubtedly from the Beatles' song of the same name, released in 1970 as the title track of their last studio album. Paul McCartney wrote the song inspired by a dream he had about his mother, who had passed away years before.
"Let it be—pass on— no good can come of it—it is not well to meet it."
- Percy Bysshe Shelley, Scenes from the Faust of Goethe, 1822
Here are 10 examples of how "let it be" can be used in sentences:
The expression has also made its way into popular culture, appearing in songs, movies, and television shows.
Some notable examples are:
There are alternative expressions with similar meanings to "let it be."
Some alternatives include:
It means accepting a situation or circumstance as it is, without trying to change or control it, and not worrying about things beyond one's control.
The phrase originates from the English language and has been used in various forms for centuries. It gained widespread popularity after The Beatles' song "Let It Be" in 1970.
Examples: "I know you're upset about the situation, but it's best to let it be for now." or "Let it be, you bailing on me was disappointing, but it's water under the bridge now."
"Let it be" is generally considered a positive phrase, as it encourages acceptance and reduces stress over things beyond one's control.
Some synonyms include 'go with the flow,' 'live and let live,' 'que sera sera,' 'accept and move on,' and 'don't stress over it.'
Yes, "let it be" can be used in formal writing, but it may be better to use more formal expressions like 'accept and move on' or 'don't stress over it.'
While the exact phrase "let it be" may not exist in all languages, similar expressions conveying the same idea of acceptance and not worrying about things beyond one's control can be found in many languages.
"Let It Be" is a song by The Beatles from their 1970 album of the same name. The song's lyrics convey a message of hope and acceptance, which has contributed to the popularity and widespread use of the phrase in modern times.
"Let it be" is a concept related to mindfulness, as it encourages individuals to accept situations as they are and not get caught up in trying to control or change things beyond their control. This can lead to reduced stress and improved mental well-being.
One famous quote is from The Beatles' song "Let It Be": "And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me / Shine until tomorrow, let it be."
The idiom "let it be" encourages acceptance of situations and circumstances as they are without trying to change or control them. The Beatles' song played a significant role in popularizing the phrase, bringing it to the forefront of popular culture and cementing its place in the English language.
Key aspects of the idiom "let it be":
The idiom teaches us to focus on what we can control and not to stress over things that are beyond our reach. So, the next time you find yourself worrying about something you cannot change, remember to "let it be" and focus on what truly matters.