live and let live
Meaning
Accept that other people may live differently, and don’t interfere or judge; be tolerant and allow others freedom.
Origin
Recorded from the 1600s; it expresses a principle of mutual tolerance—if you allow others their way of life, they’ll allow yours. Often used as advice to avoid needless conflict.
Notes
A mild, tolerant saying implying “don’t meddle.” Used as advice in everyday speech and writing. Can sound dismissive if it suggests indifference to harm or serious wrongdoing.
Examples
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I don’t agree with his lifestyle, but I try to live and let live.
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Our office has a live and let live attitude as long as the work gets done.
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She decided to live and let live instead of judging her neighbors.
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If we could all live and let live, family gatherings would be a lot less stressful.
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He practices live and let live when it comes to politics, avoiding heated arguments.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed coordination: “live and let live” is usually unchanged. It can stand alone (“Live and let live.”) or be embedded (“I believe in live and let live.”). Rarely inflected.
Synonyms
- let it be
- to each their own
- mind your own business
- live and let others live
- hands-off
Antonyms
- interfere
- meddle
- judge others
- be controlling
- impose your values