How to Memorize

we must prevent good candidates from slipping through the net

Analysis

If someone 'falls through the net' or 'slips through the net' it means they have been missed, overlooked or let down by a system that was intended to help them. You can also use these expressions to talk about someone getting away with something when there is a system designed to catch you. Similarly, when you 'fall through the cracks' it means you have been overlooked or not been included with others. You can also say something 'fell through the cracks' when something was not done or completed. These are all idiomatic expressions used in both social and professional contexts.

Social Examples (Advance)

1. For all the great sportspeople the country has produced, lack of investment in grass-roots facilities has meant that many more have slipped through the net.
2. The government are trying to create a bill that will prevent at-risk children from falling through the cracks in the system.

Professional Examples (Advance)

1. The manager wanted to revamp the company's recruitment team to prevent good candidates from slipping through the net.
2. We have implemented a tutoring program for promising disadvantaged students who are in danger of slipping through the net.
3. Can we keep an eye on the list of tasks? I don't want any important details to slip through the cracks, this event needs to go perfectly.

Further Suggestions