Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
let someone stew / leave someone to stew
idiom
/lɛt ˈsʌmwʌn stjuː/ /liːv ˈsʌmwʌn tə stjuː/
Definition
To allow someone to remain in a state of anxiety or worry about a situation without providing help or resolution.
Examples
- After giving her the bad news, he decided to let her stew for a while before checking on her.
- She was left to stew by her friends who didn’t want to get involved.
Meaning
This phrase suggests not intervening in someone’s concern or trouble, leaving them to deal with their thoughts and emotions alone.
Synonyms
- leave in the lurch
- abandon
- neglect
- let fester
