make allowance(s) for (someone or something)
1. To prepare adequately for someone or something. My whole family is coming to Thanksgiving dinner now, so you better make allowance for seven more people at the table. The weather there is pretty inconsistent at this time of year, so make allowances for that when you pack.
2. To be forgiving or accepting of someone or something due to special circumstances. When the weather is this bad, the company makes allowance for Gina's tardiness because she has a very long commute. The teachers have been kind enough to make allowances for Jake this semester after his mother's sudden death.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
make allowance(s)
(for someone or something) 1. to allow time, space, food, etc., for someone or something. When planning the party, please make allowances for John and his family. I'm making allowance for ten extra guests.
2. to make excuses or explanations for someone or something; to take into consideration the negative effects of someone or something. You're very late even when we make allowance for the weather. We have to make allowance for the age of the house when we judge its condition.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
make allowance for
Also, make allowances for. Take into account extenuating circumstances, as in We have to make allowance for Jeff; he's very new to the business, or Grandma is always making allowances for the children's bad manners. [c. 1700]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
make alˈlowances for somebody
not judge somebody too strictly because of certain problems or difficulties: The court was asked to make allowances for the age of the accused.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
make allowance
/allowances for1. To take into consideration when planning something.
2. To make excuses for or treat with leniency.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.