Definition
To be tolerant; to enjoy the pleasures and opportunities which life offers and to allow others to do the same.
Origins
Possibly a calque of Dutch leven en laten leven, which was mentioned by Gerard de Malynes in a 1622 book about trade law (in the then-current spelling leuen ende laeten leuen).
In Context
- ""Hout, neighbour," said Mrs. Howden, "we suld live and let live—we hae been young oursells, and we are no aye to judge the warst when lads and lasses forgather.""
- "‘Live and let live’ is my motto: let me alone and I'll let you alone."
- "Our Europe policy is simple: live and let live, flourish and let flourish. That is a modern and mature approach."
See Also
- live-and-let-live