|
Reader question: “Let’s leave it at that, ok?” What does that mean? My comments: Leave it at that. At what? Whatever it is that has been in discussion. The person who says “let’s leave it at that” wants to close the discussion. People make a point and sometimes say: “Let that suffice.” Let that be enough. No more discussion. Similarly, when people say let’s “leave it at that”, they are willing to let go of the matter at that particular point, leaving something unsaid. For better or worse. Often better – People sometimes choose to leave something unsaid because they know it is better that way. Perhaps it will be disrespectful, or embarrassing, or too painful to say anything further. Or it would just be totally unnecessary because the point is well made, and well understood. Chalee Tennison, an American country singer, once sang a song titled Leave it at that. She croons: Well, I don’t really want to drag this out If you’re going to say it, say it now No need to take it slow We both know it’s over I don’t need a shoulder Oh, baby, let’s just Say goodbye and leave it at that Instead of saying things we can’t take back Or race, for another example, is big problem in America, and let’s just leave it at that. | 
