make allowances for

The expression make allowances for is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the make allowances for idiom.

Meaning of "make allowances for"

Meaning

To make allowances for someone or something is to take into account and accept certain conditions or limits, often temporary, when making decisions or judgments. It can also mean to be understanding and forgiving of another person’s mistakes or faults.

Etymology

The phrase 'make allowances for' first appeared in the early 17th century. The phrase's earliest known use dates back to John Flavel's book The Fountain of Life, 1676. The phrase was initially used to describe providing for someone in a will or testament. Over time, its usage has evolved to encompass a wider range of meanings.

Usage

The phrase 'make allowances for' is often used to describe a situation in which the person making decisions or judgments takes into account certain conditions or limits before making those judgments. It is commonly used to discuss understanding and forgiving another person's mistakes or faults. For example, if someone has had a particularly trying day, you might tell them to make allowances for themselves as they may not be in the right frame of mind to make decisions or carry out tasks.

Example Sentences

• When judging her performance, it's important to make allowances for the fact that she's new to the job.
• I think it's important to make allowances for other people's mistakes.
• The examiners decided to make allowances for the students who had previously missed lessons due to illness.
• When discussing her work, it's important to make allowances for the current difficulties she's been facing.

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.