let the engine idle vs let idle

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Let the engine idle' is used when referring to a vehicle or machinery, while 'let idle' is used when talking about a person or an action. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 783 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to vehicles or machinery being left running without being used.

"let the engine idle"

This phrase is used to instruct someone to allow the engine of a vehicle or machinery to run at a low speed without engaging the transmission or any other functions.

Examples:

Before turning off the car, remember to let the engine idle for a few minutes.
The mechanic asked me to let the engine idle for a while to cool down.
It's important to let the engine idle after a long drive to prevent overheating.
Please let the engine idle while I check the oil levels.
The manual recommends letting the engine idle for a minute before shutting it off.

Show examples from the web [+]

Imagine how much we could reduce air contamination if we did not let our vehicle engines idle in this way.
The engine idle speed is set to the manufacturer's specification.
Hitchcock would always say, "We're letting the engine idle," and we would just sit quietly, sometimes for half an hour, then pick up again.
The clutch shall be disengaged, without use of the gear lever, at the higher of the following speeds: 10 km/h or the speed corresponding to the engine idle speed.
We go to Florrum, let the engines cool, and rescue Ahsoka.
The sawdust lets the engine run sweet as a nut.
Whereas, in future, such engines must be fitted with carburettors which will permit the specified levels of emission to be complied with while the engines idle in all settings of the controls at the disposal of the user;
at engine idle: 0,5 %,
If I was to let the engine die going down the rapids, we'd be goners.
The tracer gas flow rate shall be set so that the tracer gas concentration at engine idle speed after mixing becomes lower than the full scale of the trace gas analyzer.
The tracer gas flow rate shall be set so that the tracer gas concentration at engine idle speed after mixing becomes lower than the full scale of the trace gas analyser.
The tracer gas flow rate shall be set so that the tracer gas concentration at engine idle speed after mixing becomes lower than the full scale of the trace gas analyser.
You just let the clutch out until you feel the engine catch inside, slowly push on the gas.
In this case it is recommended controlling the dynamometer so it gives priority to follow the reference torque and let the engine govern the speed when the operator demand is at minimum.
We won't let the engines fall out of the planes.
In such cases, it is recommended to control the dynamometer so it gives priority to follow the reference torque instead of the reference speed and let the engine govern the speed.
One, neutral, two, three, four. ENGINE IDLES
Turn off the engines in the engine room.
After submission of the engine to the authorities, the manufacturer must not carry out any adjustment to the engines selected.
Navigation's recalibrating after the engine failure.

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to a person or an action being left without purpose or activity.

"let idle"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone or something is being allowed to remain inactive or without occupation.

Examples:

I decided to let my mind idle for a while and relax.
Don't let your talents idle; put them to good use.
The machine was left to idle for hours without any supervision.
She preferred to let the day idle away without any plans.
It's not good to let your car idle for too long as it wastes fuel.

Show examples from the web [+]

I never my let hands idle... Brushing my hair.
Don't let your stomach grow idle.
I never let my hands idle.
I always had this... this whole system... strategy... to not let it idle too low.
It suits me to let the machines lie idle for a time.
Imagine how much we could reduce air contamination if we did not let our vehicle engines idle in this way.
Pre-conditioning: Place the UUT in Off Mode, then let the UUT sit idle for 15 minutes.
If sir-castic would let me speak, I'd tell you that I wasn't idle during those days in there, playing mute handmaiden at Regina's side.
Some & im; systems let you see whether contacts are idle at their computers. This option enables you to change the color used for idle contacts.
So let us move from words to deeds, as it says in the report's title; let us make the transition from idle words to action.
Mr. Belov, let's see if you are capable of more than just idle chitchat in my classroom, shall we?
But if I stand idle, if I... If I let him consume this city, all the people that will suffer and die...

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let the engine idle vs let idle