let someone down gently
委婉地让某人失望或拒绝
口语·委婉拒绝或告知
英文释义
To break bad news or disappoint someone in a kind or considerate manner
例句
She didn't want to hurt his feelings, so she let him down gently.
典故来源
源自19世纪,'down'指拒绝或失望,'gently'强调方式温和。