"let it rest" vs "allow it to settle"

Question

"let it rest" vs "allow it to settle"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Let it rest' is commonly used when referring to letting something sit or be inactive for a period of time, like food or a situation. 'Allow it to settle' is more often used when talking about letting something like sediment or emotions calm down or become still.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to indicate that something should be left alone or not disturbed for a while, such as food resting after cooking or a situation calming down naturally.

Examples:

After baking the cake, you should let it rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting it.
Let the issue rest for now and we can revisit it later.
The dough needs to let it rest before rolling it out.
Let the paint rest for a few hours before applying a second coat.
I'm going to let my mind rest and relax for a bit.

Alternatives:

allow it to settle
leave it alone
give it a break
let it be
leave it be

This phrase is used when you want to indicate that something should be given time to calm down, become still, or reach a stable state, such as allowing sediment to settle in a liquid or emotions to calm down after a heated discussion.

Examples:

After stirring the mixture, allow it to settle before pouring it.
Let's allow the situation to settle before making any decisions.
The dust in the room will eventually settle if you allow it to settle naturally.
Allow your thoughts to settle before reacting.
The team needs time to allow their emotions to settle after the loss.

Alternatives:

let it rest
let it be still
let it calm down
let it stabilize
let it quiet down

Answer 1

let it rest

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to letting something sit or be inactive for a period of time.

Answer 2

allow it to settle

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to letting something like sediment or emotions calm down or become still.

"let it rest" vs "allow it to settle"

let it rest

allow it to settle

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