“Let” is a versatile word in English, commonly used in many expressions. In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 useful idioms and phrasal verbs featuring the word “let,” each with a brief meaning and an example sentence, perfect for ESL students.
1. Let someone down
Meaning: Disappoint someone
Example: I hope I don’t let you down with my decision.
2. Let in on
Meaning: Share a secret
Example: I’ll let you in on a little secret about me.
3. Let off steam
Meaning: Release anger or stress
Example: After work, I jog to let off steam.
4. Let bygones be bygones
Meaning: Forget past conflicts
Example: They decided to let bygones be bygones and reconciled.
5. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: Reveal a secret
Example: He accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
6. Let up
Meaning: Decrease in intensity
Example: The rain didn’t let up for hours.
7. Let someone off
Meaning: Excuse from punishment
Example: The judge let her off with a warning.
8. Let loose
Meaning: Act freely, uninhibited
Example: At the party, they really let loose.
9. Let slip
Meaning: Accidentally reveal information
Example: He let slip some details about the new project.
10. Let go
Meaning: Release, relinquish control
Example: Sometimes, it’s healthier to just let go of grudges.
11. Let down
Meaning: Lower something gradually
Example: She let down the rope to pull up the bucket.
12. Let someone off the hook
Meaning: Free someone from obligation
Example: You’re not off the hook yet; more chores await!
13. Let your hair down
Meaning: Relax, enjoy oneself
Example: On weekends, I like to let my hair down.
14. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Avoid restarting a conflict
Example: I didn’t mention his past mistakes; best to let sleeping dogs lie.
15. Let on
Meaning: Reveal, disclose
Example: She didn’t let on how much she knew.
16. Let the side down
Meaning: Fail to meet expectations
Example: He really let the side down in the final match.
17. Let (something) pass
Meaning: Ignore, not respond
Example: I heard the comment but chose to let it pass.
18. Let the chips fall where they may
Meaning: Allow events to unfold naturally
Example: After our discussion, we let the chips fall where they may.
19. Let fly
Meaning: Say something angrily
Example: He let fly a string of complaints during the meeting.
20. Let yourself go
Meaning: Neglect one’s appearance or health
Example: After the breakup, he really let himself go.
