Cool MateDon't even go there vs Let it go
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't even go there
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Let it go
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Let it go
| Don't even go there | Let it go | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈi:vən ɡəʊ ðeə//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈivən ɡoʊ ˈðɛr// | 🇬🇧 //lɛt ɪt ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //lɛt ɪt ɡoʊ// |
| Meaning | Don't talk about that topic. | Stop worrying about something. |
| Example | When she brought up his ex, he said, 'Don't even go there.' | You need to just let it go and move forward. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | don't even go there, just don't go there, simply don't go there | let it go now, let it go and move on, let it go for good |
| Antonyms | - | hold on, cling, obsess |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a serious context where a more formal expression is needed., Confusing it with 'don't go there' which has a similar but slightly different meaning., Overusing it in conversations even when it's not relevant. | Omitting the object, saying 'let go' instead of 'let it go', Confusing with 'let go', which means to release physically, Using it in formal writing or speeches |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations when someone raises a sensitive or uncomfortable subject. Not appropriate in formal settings. | Use in informal settings to encourage someone to move on from a situation; less appropriate in serious contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Don't even go there vs Let it go
What's the difference between Don't even go there and Let it go?
Don't even go there: Don't talk about that topic. Let it go: Stop worrying about something.
Which is more formal: Don't even go there and Let it go?
Let it go is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't even go there: When she brought up his ex, he said, 'Don't even go there.' Let it go: You need to just let it go and move forward.
Can I use Don't even go there and Let it go interchangeably?
Not always. Don't even go there and Let it go are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.