Literally: let do
Origins: in the 18th century, in politics, economy. The term laissez-faire likely originated in a meeting that took place around 1681 between powerful French powerful Jean Baptiste Colbert(Controller General of Finances) and a French businessmen groupe headed by Mr. Le Gendre. When the eager mercantilist minister asked how the French state could be of service to the merchants and help promote their commerce, Le Gendre replied simply: "Laissez-nous faire" "Leave it to us" or "Let us do (it)
The French phrase laissez-faire gained currency in English-speaking countries with the spread of Physiocratic literature in the late 18th century.
Meaning: Let it be; a policy or attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering.
Synonyms: laissez tomber
