Letting fall between the cracks is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe a situation where something or someone is overlooked or neglected, often unintentionally or due to negligence. It conveys the idea that something important has not received the necessary attention or has been missed out due to various factors.
The phrase is derived from the literal image of an object, like a small pebble, slipping through the cracks or gaps in a surface. Metaphorically, it is applied to situations where something or someone has been overlooked because they have been passed over, forgotten, or ignored amid a busy schedule, lack of proper oversight, or a large amount of work or information to handle.
When something falls between the cracks, it implies that it has gone unnoticed or unaddressed, which can lead to negative consequences if the overlooked issue is significant. For instance, it could refer to a person who is struggling and in need of support, but their situation is not recognized by the authorities responsible for providing assistance. Similarly, it can describe a task or responsibility that has not been properly attended to, leading to delays, errors, or problems in a project or daily operations.
Overall, this idiom highlights the importance of careful attention, thoroughness, and organization to prevent something or someone from falling between the cracks and to ensure that all essential aspects are properly acknowledged and handled.
