Let Alone (Verb)
Meaning
Leave unchanged or undisturbed or refrain from taking; "leave it as is"; "leave the young fawn alone"; "leave the flowers that you see in the park behind".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- She couldn't bear to throw away her grandmother's antique vase, let alone sell it to a stranger.
- The old piano has been in the house for decades, and we wouldn't dream of touching it, let alone getting rid of it.
- These rare species are protected by law, and people are advised to observe them from a distance, let alone touch them.
- The fragile ecosystem of the forest is easily disrupted, so we shouldn't even think about logging, let alone building a resort.
- The family heirloom watch had been passed down for generations, and Emma wouldn't even let someone else hold it, let alone keep it for themselves.