let someone down

1. Fail to support someone; also, disappoint someone. For example, I was counting on John to come, but he let me down , or The team didn't want to let down the coach . [Late 1400s] A British phrase with the same meaning is let the side down , alluding to some kind of competition (sports, politics) and dating from the mid-1900s. It is occasionally used in America.

2. let someone down easy . Convey bad or disappointing news in a considerate way, so as to spare the person's self-respect. For example, The teacher knew that Paul would have to repeat the course and that there was no way to let him down easy . [ Colloquial ; mid-1700s] Also see let down .