let1 verblet2 noun
letlet1 /let/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle let, present participle letting) 
WORD ORIGINlet
Origin:
Old English lætanVERB TABLE
let
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | let |
| he, she, it | lets | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | let |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have let |
| he, she, it | has let | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had let |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will let |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have let |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am letting |
| he, she, it | is letting | |
| you, we, they | are letting | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was letting |
| you, we, they | were letting | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been letting |
| he, she, it | has been letting | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been letting |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be letting |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been letting |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Let him come home safely, she prayed.
- 200,00 sq ft of land was let to a local firm.
- I know he's grown up now, but it's hard for me to let go.
- I want to go to Europe this summer, but my parents won't let me.
- It'll drive you crazy if you let it.
- Nellie's house had a 'To Let' sign in the window.
- Sue doesn't let her kids eat candy.
- Thanks for letting me spend the night at your place.
- The company owns about 170 cottages in Britain, which it lets out to tourists.
- We wanted to go camping, but our parents wouldn't let us.
- You'd better let the dog out.
- Away from her, he must feel like a boy let out of school.
- Because if you drive... hold on, let me just check some-thing.
- But let no one doubt that this earthquake will happen.
- If hungry he'd gnaw your ankle just to let you know to fill his bowl.
- My parents didn't want to let me go, but I begged them and promised to come back very quickly.
- So let us look at what factors appear to affect the performance of individuals in their jobs.
- They are the reason he asked Mobil to let him build a bigger store.
- Under no circumstances, however, should the Dole campaign let Buchanan speak during prime time at the Republican Convention.
THESAURUS
to say that someone can do something – used about parents, teachers, or people in authority: · They don’t allow students to chew gum in the classroom.· I’m not allowed to stay out after ten o'clock.
[not in passive] to allow someone to do something.Let is not used in the passive, and is much more commonly used in everyday English than allow: · Will your mum let you come to the party?· I’ll borrow John’s bicycle, if he’ll let me.
formal if something is permitted, it is allowed according to the rules – used especially on written notices and announcements: · Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building.
used when someone in an important official position decides to allow someone to do something: · He was given special permission to leave school early.· The Home Office has given him permission to stay in Britain indefinitely.
to say that you will allow someone to do something that will affect you personally, or a member of your family, when you have a legal right to say ‘no’: · Her parents have given their consent to the marriage.· You can’t build on someone’s land without the owner’s consent.
to officially allow a planned project or activity to happen: · The government finally gave the go-ahead for a new terminal at Heathrow airport.· A new nuclear plant has been given the go-ahead.
to officially or legally allow someone to do something – used about laws or people: · The UN resolution would authorize the use of force.· I never authorized them to give information about me to other banks.
to give someone the right to do or have something: · The pass entitles you to travel on any bus, at any time, in Norwich.· If the goods are faulty, the customer is entitled to a refund.
formal to give official approval and support for something: · The Truman administration refused to sanction a military attack.· The advertisements were sanctioned by the candidate himself.
to allow somebody to use something for money to allow someone to use a house, room, vehicle, piece of equipment, area of land etc in return for money: · She rents the flat out to students.
to allow someone to use a room, house, building etc in return for money: · Some people don't want to let rooms to foreigners.· They let the house out while they were on holiday.
to make a legal agreement which allows a person or company to use something that you own for a fixed period of time: · Santa Clara ' s Redevelopment Agency leased the existing city golf course to developers.
Longman Language Activatorto let someone do something · We wanted to go camping, but our parents wouldn't let us.let somebody do something · Sue doesn't let her kids eat candy.· Thanks for letting me spend the night at your place.let somebody in/out (=let someone go in or out of a place) · You'd better let the dog out.
if someone such as a teacher, official, or parent allows someone to do something, they let them do it: allow somebody to do something: · We do not allow people to smoke anywhere in the building.· Under federal law, Indian nations are allowed to operate casinos on their reservations, with the state's permission.allow somebody something formal (=allow them to have it): · Paul's bank now allows him £35 a week, and Geoff can withdraw no more than £40.allow somebody in/out etc (=allow someone to go into or out of a place): · The manager doesn't allow children in the bar.
especially spoken to tell someone that you will allow them to do something: · Mom says we can each have two cookies.· I thought you said we could use this room.
to decide to allow someone to do something because you have been persuaded to allow it: · The rebels finally agreed to a ban on terrorist activity.· McCaskill left the California Angels on Saturday and agreed to a three-year contract with the Chicago White Sox worth over $6 million.
if a law or a rule permits someone to do something, it allows them to do it: · Photography will not be permitted inside the courtroom.permit somebody to do something: · The law permits foreign investors to own up to 25% of British companies.
also authorise British to officially or legally allow someone to do something, especially by signing an official document: · Who authorized the decision to close the factory?· Among other matters, the city council authorized more funds for additional police officers.authorize somebody to do something: · Only Congress can authorize the President to declare war.
to not care whether someone does something or not, especially when they have asked for your permission or approval: · As long as your parents have no objection, you're very welcome to come on vacation with us.have no objection to somebody doing something: · They said they had no objection to us leaving a little early.
to give final permission to allow something important to happen, which will affect yourself, your family, or your property: · Parents are required to give their written consent (=give permission in writing) before a child can be asked to participate in an interview.give your consent to something: · In September, he gave Dr. Arning his consent to conduct the experiment.
also give somebody/something the green light to give official permission for a planned activity to begin: · We're still waiting for the finance committee to give us the green light.· Councillors in Darlington gave the hotel development project the go-ahead in September.give the go-ahead for something: · We believe the nuclear programme should be given the go-ahead for further development.
what you say to ask permission · Can I borrow your pen for a minute?· Hey Dad, can I stay at Sara's house tonight?· Can I go to the bathroom?
use this to ask someone politely if you can do something: · May I ask you a question, Mr Simmonds?· May I see your ticket, please?
use this when you are worried that what you want to do will annoy or interrupt someone else: · Is it all right if I smoke?· Do you mind if I open the window?· Would you mind if I made a call?
what you say to give permission · "Can I watch TV?" "Sure, go ahead."go right ahead · "Is it OK if I eat the last apple?" "Go right ahead."go ahead and do something · If you want to take a shower, just go ahead and take one.
when someone asks you if they can use something, especially something that belongs to you: · "Is it all right if I call my parents?" "Be my guest."· "Do you mind if I sit here?'' "Be my guest."
when you want someone to do what they want without feeling that they need to ask you first: · "I hope you don't mind if I use your phone." "Of course not. Feel free."feel free to do something: · Please feel free to stop me and ask questions whenever you like.
when you want someone to take what they want, especially food or drink: · "Is there any beer left?" "Sure, help yourself."help yourself to something: · Help yourself to coffee and cake.
spoken use this as a friendly way of telling someone they can do something: · "Can I take some more casserole?" "Of course!"· "Do you mind of I sit here?" "Of course you can."
to be allowed to do something · Now that you're seventeen, you can learn to drive.· You can't park here.· Ask Jan if you can borrow a cup or two of milk.
to be allowed to do something, especially because a rule or law says you can do it: be allowed to do something: · Are we allowed to use calculators on the test?something is allowed: · Lanterns and heaters are allowed on Forest Service lands if they are fueled by propane.be allowed in/out/off/on etc (=be allowed to go in, out, off etc): · Several international relief organizations had been allowed into the area to determine what help was needed.
formal to be allowed to do something by an official order, rule, or law: be permitted to do something: · Residents were not even permitted to fish in the reservoir.something is permitted: · Smoking is only permitted in the public lounge.
formal to be allowed to do something: · Educational institutions may videotape copyrighted television programs, but the tape must be destroyed after 45 days.
to be allowed to do something when you want or in the way that you want: · Workers are free to choose from a wide variety of insurance plans.· The winners of the competition are free to spend their prize money in any way they choose.
to let something happen, without trying to stop it to let someone do something, or let something happen, especially something bad that you should try to stop. Allow is more formal than let: let somebody/something do something: · You shouldn't let your husband treat you like that.· Don't let the dog get into the flowerbed.· It took all my willpower to remain cool and tell him not to let it happen again.allow something to do something: · The government has allowed the present economic crisis to get completely out of control.· The hedge should not be allowed to grow higher than six feet.
to let someone do something that they have chosen to do, although you could stop them, especially because they want to do it very much: · If you really want to become a lawyer, I'm not going to stand in your way.· Sally knew that modelling would be her career, and she was going to make sure that nothing stood in her way.
if something bad or unpleasant happens unchecked , it is allowed to continue to happen because no one is controlling it when they should be: · A fire broke out in the warehouse and raged unchecked for over two hours.· Over the last decade, the government has allowed the spread of poverty and unemployment to continue completely unchecked.
especially British, informal a law or official decision which seems to give someone the right to do something that most people think is morally wrong and should not be allowed: charter for somebody to do something: · This housing law would be a charter for dishonest landlords to cheat their tenants.thieves'/tax dodgers' etc charter: · The police decision to reduce their burglary squad has been described as 'a thieves' charter'.
to let someone do whatever they want · The children at the school are given complete freedom to study whatever subjects they want.· The major argument for capitalism is that it gives people freedom to make their own choices about what they do.
if someone who employs you gives you free rein to plan, make, or operate something, they let you decide what to do and how to do it: · We're giving the medical center a free hand as to how it spends the money.· The new chairman has been given a completely free hand to make whatever changes he thinks necessary.
if someone in authority gives someone carte blanche , they give them complete power over what is done and how it is done - use this especially when you do not approve of the power they are given or the decisions they make: · The General seems to have been given carte blanche to attack whatever civilian targets he wants.· The Supreme Court's decision practically gives the police carte blanche to order everyone out when they stop a car.
British /give somebody a blank check American to let someone have as much money as they need to do something - use this especially about government or business activity: · It no longer makes sense to give the Pentagon a blank check when funding for domestic programs is being reduced.· We cannot let our democracy become a matter of simply giving a bunch of politicians a blank cheque to govern us every five years.
to allow someone to stay in or use a place and do what they want there: · Gary and Kaye were often out at work till late evening, but gave us the run of the house.· He was given the run of Shaw's library while writing his biography.
to let someone do something that is not usually allowed to let someone do something that is slightly different from what the rules allow, especially when you do not officially tell anyone about it: · The state government was willing to bend the rules where necessary in order to create more jobs.· I'll try and get the housing department to bend the rules for us.
to allow someone to do something that is not usually allowed: · I'll make an exception this time, but next time you hand in an essay late I won't accept it.
British a special right that a particular group of people are allowed to have, for example, by the government or by their employer: · Under the previous administration, rich landowners were given generous tax concessions.· Pensioners and disabled people get special concessions on buses and trains.
to allow someone not to have to go to school, work etc, for example because they are ill: be excused from something: · Can I be excused from swimming today? I've got a cold.· Kinney asked to be excused from his duties on the board.excuse somebody from something: · I'll try to get them to excuse me from the meeting.
if you exempt someone, you give them special permission not to have to do something that they and other people are normally expected to do: exempt somebody from something: · The new law exempts people who earn less than $8000 a year from paying any taxes.· My father was exempted from military service on the grounds of ill health.
to officially say that a rule or a legal punishment can be ignored, especially because in this particular situation it is not important or useful to keep to it: · The court decided to waive her fine as it was her first offence.· The industry asked the Federal Communications Commission to waive a rule that limits the amount of power used to send a data transmission over a telephone line.
official permission to do something when someone officially allows you to do something: permission to do something: · I had to get official permission to visit the prison.with/without somebody's permission: · We're not allowed to camp here without the farmer's permission.· The changes to the book were all made with the author's permission.
official permission to do something, especially written permission, from someone in a position of authority: · I must get authorization from your bank before I can accept a cheque for over fifty pounds.authorization to do something: · As a result of growing world tensions, the army requested authorization to establish another base at Battery Cove.
formal permission you give for something important that will affect you, your family, or your property: without somebody's consent: · The young couple were married without their parents' consent.give your consent: · The city authorities have given their consent to leases on two buildings in the centre of Moscow.written consent: · Before a woman can have an abortion, she needs to have written consent from two doctors.
official permission given by someone in a position of authority, after checking that what someone wants to do is legal, safe, or likely to be successful: · We expect that we'll have clearance from the Justice Department for the buyout in the first quarter of the year.clearance to do something: · The pilot requested clearance to land at Narita Airport.
informal permission from someone, especially someone important: without somebody's say-so: · Kathleen evidently ran things around the office and nothing could be done without her say-so.on somebody's say-so: · Tell him he can use the car, but only on my say-so.
British /license American official permission to do something, which is often used as a reason to do something wrong, especially something that will harm other people: license to do something: · The Secret Service seems to think they have a license to tap anyone's phone in the interests of "national security."· Some manufacturers see the current labelling regulations as licence to mislead shoppers.
an official document that gives permission an official document that gives you permission to do something, for example permission to work somewhere or visit somewhere: · You can't park here unless you have a permit.work permit (=a permit to work in a particular country): · Many spouses of diplomats are unable to pursue their careers because they lack U.S. work permits.
British /license American an official document that allows you to do something, for example to drive a car or own a gun: · Do you have a licence for that gun?driving licenceBritish /driver's license American: · Rebecca's disability prevented her from getting a driver's license.
a document giving the police permission to take someone in order to ask them questions, or to search inside a building: · A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a suspected terrorist.search warrant: · You don't have to let the police in unless they have a search warrant.
to let the air out of something British to let the air come out of something, for example a tyre or a balloon : · Lisa let the air out of the balloon.
to deliberately let the air come out of something, especially a tyre: let something down: · Someone let the tires down on my bike!· The boys let his tyres down while he was in the headteacher's office.
if something filled with air deflates , the air comes out of it; if you deflate something, you let the air out of it: · The balloon gradually lost altitude as we deflated it and came in to land.· He woke up aching all over - somehow his airbed had deflated in the night and there was nothing to cushion him from the cold ground.
to make someone able to do something · The money from my grandmother enabled us to buy the house.· The programme is designed to enable young people to find work.
to provide the conditions in which someone is able to do something: make it possible to do something: · The direct flight makes it possible to get from London to Tokyo in 12 hours.make it possible for somebody to do something: · The loan made it possible for him to continue his education.make something possible: · I'd like to thank everyone - my family, my friends - who helped to make the whole thing possible.
if a piece of equipment or a service allows you to do something or lets you do it, it provides what you need to be able to do it: · The web site allows you to order groceries over the Internet.· The telephone service lets users see who is calling before they pick up the phone.
if education or training equips you to do something, especially something such as a particular kind of job, it prepares you and makes you able to do it: equip somebody to do something: · The school aims to equip students to deal with the kind of problems they will face in the outside world.equip somebody for: · Her privileged upbringing had not equipped her for hard work in the fields.
to make someone feel disappointed · The band disappointed thousands of fans by cancelling at the last minute.· I'm sorry to disappoint you, but there aren't any tickets left.
to not do what you promised to do for someone, or not behave as well as they expected: · I said I would help them - I can't let them down.let somebody down badly: · Many disabled soldiers feel the government has let them down very badly.
to disappoint someone very badly by doing or telling them something that is the opposite of what they hoped for or what they needed to happen: · Renewed fighting has dashed all hopes of an early settlement.· The family's hopes that their daughter would be found alive were cruelly dashed this morning.
when you do not care about something because it is not important to you if you don't care about something, it is not important to you: · "What do you think I should do?" "I don't care. Do what you want."not care what/whether/if etc: · I like George, and I don't care what anyone else thinks about him.· I don't care what my parents say - I am going to the party.not care about: · She doesn't care about anything except money.
informal to not care at all about something: · The politicians are making a big deal out of the issue, but most voters couldn't care less.couldn't care less about: · Shelley couldn't care less about what other people thought of her.couldn't care less whether/if: · To be perfectly honest with you, I couldn't care less whether he comes or not.
spoken to not care at all about something - use this when you are very annoyed with someone or something: not give a damn about: · You're so selfish. You don't give a damn about anyone except for yourself.not give a damn what/who/why etc: · I don't really give a damn what the press says.
to no longer care about something that you were worried about for a long time, because you realize that the situation cannot be changed: · I used to worry a lot about my weight when I was young, but now I'm past caring.· The company wrote and apologized for their mistake, but by then Sarah was past caring.
spoken say this when you do not care at all what someone does or what happens to them, especially when you are annoyed with them: · I don't want to hear any more about her. She can drop dead for all I care.
spoken informal say this when you do not care about something, because you do not think it is important at all: · So your house isn't perfectly clean. Who cares?· "Phil was really angry when he heard what you had done.'' "So what? It's none of his business.''· "He says he's depressed and really short of money." "What do I care? It's his own fault."
spoken say this when you do not care if someone does what they have threatened to do: · "Brenda says she's going to quit unless we give her a raise." "Let her quit then. It's not as if we can't find another nanny."· "They're threatening to disconnect the phone unless we pay the bill." "Let them!"
spoken informal say this when someone tells you about a problem they have and you do not have any sympathy for them, especially because you feel angry with them: · "Mom, I don't want to go to school today." "Tough! You're going anyway."· "Can't we stop? I'm hungry." "That's tough. I told you to eat something before we left the house."
to let someone enter a place · Let me in! It's freezing out here.· There's Ryan at the door. Let him in, would you?· Who let those guys in? They don't belong here.· Don't let anybody in the house while I'm gone.let somebody into something · His girlfriend was there and let me into the apartment.
to officially allow someone to enter a public place in order to watch a game, performance etc: · Children under 17 will not be admitted.admit somebody to something: · They refused to admit Paul to the performance because of what he was wearing.
what you say when you are going to explain something spoken say this when you are explaining something to someone, and you want to check that they are listening and that they understand you: · This fits on here, see, where the arrow is.· Simon's car broke down, you see, and neither of us knew how to fix it.
spoken say this when you are explaining something you have said or giving an example of something: · Ted seems kind of lazy. I mean, he never offers to help and he just lies in front of the TV.what I mean (to say) is: · I'm afraid I can't help you. What I mean is that I'm not a detective, and I don't solve crimes.
use this when you are saying something in a different way in order to explain it more clearly: · What we need is a more sustainable transport system, in other words, more buses and trains, and fewer cars.· This is supposed to be a democracy - in other words, one person one vote.
spoken use this when you are explaining a problem or the reason for something: · I really don't want to leave yet. The thing is, I have an appointment in 15 minutes.· I do have a computer, but the thing is, it's really old and I can't use it for email.
use this to explain the meaning of the previous word or phrase by giving more information about it: · The fare is reduced for children, that is, anyone under 15 years old.· All documents are printed in the two official languages - that is, English and French.
spoken say this when you want to explain something to someone because you think they have not understood: · I can see you're getting confused. Let me explain.· I know the plan seems a little crazy at first, but it's really not. Let me explain.
used when you have explained something in one way and you are going to try to make it clearer by explaining it in a different way: · Money makes money. To put it another way, the more you invest, the greater your potential profit will be.· The problem demands a global solution. To put it another way, local regulations will have very little effect.
spoken say this when someone is not sure what you mean and you are going to try to explain in a way that will help them to understand, especially by saying something humorous or direct: · "Does he get many dates?" "Put it like this - you don't have to feel sorry for him."· Put it this way, honey - what the boss doesn't know isn't going to bother him.
spoken used when you are going to use different words to say something again, because you have just said it in an unsuitable way and it may not have been understood correctly: · I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. That wasn't what I meant to say at all.· Most of the people there were incredibly old. Let me rephrase that - we were the youngest couple there.
to make something explode to make a bomb explode either deliberately or accidentally: set off something: · The group set off a bomb outside a crowded cafe in Izmir last September.set something off: · Police say radio signals were probably used to set the bomb off.
to make a bomb explode, especially by using special equipment. Detonate is a more technical word than set off: · Army experts detonated the bomb safely in a nearby field.· The 200 kg bomb was detonated by terrorists using a remote-control device.
British to deliberately make a bomb explode: · Terrorists let off a bomb in the city centre.· The bomb was let off shortly before 3 pm.
British /set off/shoot off American to make fireworks explode. A firework is a thing which explodes in the air and produces lots of noise or coloured lights, and is used in celebrations: · They're going to let off fireworks in the park.· A group of teenagers were in the parking lot shooting off fireworks.· Somebody set off a firecracker in the cafeteria.
to tell someone that they must not do something to say that someone must not do something, and stop them doing it. Not allow is more formal than not let: not let somebody do something: · My parents won't let me stay out after 11 o'clock.not allow somebody to do something: · The university does not allow athletes to work during the school year.not allow something: · Joan and Bill don't allow smoking in their house.
to tell someone that they should not do something, especially because it is dangerous or harmful: · My mother always told us not to talk to strangers.· His doctor told him not to drink any alcohol while he was taking the tablets.
formal to say clearly and strongly that someone should not do something: · Their religion forbids the eating of pork.forbid somebody to do something: · The management forbids employees to accept tips from customers.forbid somebody (from) doing something: · They were forbidden from entering the sacred chamber.
to tell someone that they cannot do something when they have asked for your permission to do it: · He wanted to use the car tonight but I said no.· She wanted to go to the conference but her boss said she couldn't take the day off from work.
to officially forbid something - use this about activities that are forbidden by law or agreement, especially because they are dangerous: · Many doctors now say that boxing should be banned.· a new international treaty banning all nuclear testsban somebody from (doing) something: · Relatives of the prisoners were banned from visiting them.
to forbid an activity by making it illegal: · International Law prohibits the use of chemical weapons.· The U.S. prohibited all flights to the country while the war was in progress.prohibit somebody from doing something: · Mexican law prohibits the clergy from teaching in universities and schools.
to completely forbid something by making it illegal: · Attempts to outlaw abortion have so far been unsuccessful.· Slavery was not officially outlawed in Australia until 1859.
if a government or organization blacklists someone, they keep a record of their name in order to forbid them doing a particular job or taking part in a particular activity: · Members of the Communist Party were blacklisted and had great difficulty finding work.· When she tried to get a loan she found she had been blacklisted.
to let someone leave prison to let someone leave prison: · McKay moved to Newcastle after being released from prison.· They released ten political prisoners last year.
to let someone leave a place where they are being kept by force: · The hostages were set free last night.· The Emancipation Proclamation, in 1863, set the American slaves free.
to let someone leave a place where they are being kept, especially a prison: · Lusani hopes to be let out early.let sb out of: · She was let out of prison to attend her daughter's funeral.
to allow someone to leave a place where they have been kept by force for a short time: · Due to a lack of evidence against the suspect, the police had to let the prisoner go.· I just kept praying that the man would let me go.
to allow someone who is a prisoner or being kept somewhere to be free: · Many of these young offenders should have been freed a long time ago.free from: · His supporters are demanding that he be freed from prison.free into: · The dolphins will be freed into the ocean once their injuries have healed.
to give something to someone without expecting to be paid for it: give somebody something · I gave my nieces and nephews $20 each.· Why don't we give her some flowers for her birthday?· Let me give you some advice.· They gave me this leaflet - it's really helpful.· Can you give me a ride to the office tomorrow?give something to somebody · Would you give this letter to your uncle when you see him?· Russell was accused of giving secret information to the enemy.
to give something to someone, especially something that they have asked for or something that they need: · She lets her kids have anything they want.· One of my mum's friends was getting a new sofa, and so she let us have the old one.· If you could let me have your suggestions, it would be very helpful.
to give something that you own to someone else, especially because you do not want it or need it: give away something: · I gave away most of my old furniture because I didn't have room for it in my new apartment.give something away: · He decided to give all his money away and become a Buddhist monk.give something away to somebody: · I don't need all this stuff - I'll give it away to the first person who asks for it.
to give something to someone by putting it in their hand or putting it near them, especially because they cannot reach it themselves: · Could you pass the salt, please?pass somebody something: · Would you pass me my sweater? It's on the back of your chair.pass something to somebody: · Ellis quickly passed the note to the woman, looking around to check that no one had noticed.
to take something in your hand and give it to someone by putting it in their hand: hand somebody something: · The nurse handed me a glass of brown liquid and told me to drink it.· As the delegates entered the room they were each handed a name-badge.hand something to somebody: · Would you please hand your ticket to the man at the door.
to quickly give someone something small such as money or a piece of paper, by putting it into their hand, especially so that other people do not notice: slip somebody something: · I know it's a private party, but if you slip the doorman $5, he'll let you in.slip something into somebody's hand/pocket etc: · During the meeting, she reached under the table and slipped a note into my hand.
if you can spare a particular amount of something, you can only give that amount but no more because you need the rest for yourself: · If anyone can spare a couple of hours a week to help out, it would be much appreciated.· Dad, can you spare a fiver?spare somebody something: · We don't have very much coffee, I'm afraid, but we can spare you a little.
to give someone something that you would prefer to keep: give up something · Fania was prepared to give up all her jewelry to help her father get out of debt.· Russia is very unlikely to give up its nuclear weapons.give something up · Americans love their cars, and no-one is going to persuade them to give them up.
to unwillingly give or sell something to someone, for example because they have won it from you or you cannot afford to keep it any longer: · They've held the world record for many years, and they're not going to let it go without a fight.· I've nowhere to store all this china, so I'm letting the whole lot go for $50.
to unwillingly give or sell something that is very important to you: · I'm reluctant to part with any of my precious books.· The new house was much smaller, and we had to part with things that we had been hoarding for years.
to agree or decide to stop having something that is valuable, especially in order to gain something more important: sacrifice something to do something: · He sacrificed a promising career to look after his handicapped daughter.sacrifice something for something: · The nation is not prepared to sacrifice its independence for the sake of an alliance with a powerful neighbour.
to let someone take a right, advantage etc from you - use this when you think someone is stupid to do this: trade away something for (=lose one thing and gain another): · The Unions would be wrong to trade away their future for short-term financial gain.trade away something: · It's disgusting to trade away your democratic rights in this way.
to stop holding something to stop holding something or someone: · Let go! You're hurting me.let go of: · She wouldn't let go of the letter.· At the end of the fair, the school let go of hundreds of balloons.
to stop holding something suddenly, especially by accident, so that it falls to the ground: · I dropped my sunglasses and they broke.· As soon as she saw him she dropped her suitcases and ran towards him.
especially written to stop holding something, especially someone's hand, wrist, arm etc: · He took hold of my hand but then released it again quickly.
to ignore something bad, even though you know it is wrong to ignore something wrong that someone has done, especially because it is unimportant: · I'll overlook your mistake this time.· Mrs Johnson tends to overlook any small faults the girls may have.· Although this is a first offence it cannot be overlooked.
to decide not to punish or criticize someone for doing something wrong, although you might do so if they do it again: · I think they've broken the rules, but I'll let it pass.· Howard had insulted her, but she thought it better to let it pass this time.
if someone in authority turns a blind eye to illegal activity or bad behaviour, they ignore it and pretend they do not know about it: · If my sister did something wrong my mother always turned a blind eye.· The guards turned a blind eye when the prisoners stole food from the kitchen.turn a blind eye to: · The President could no longer turn a blind eye to the indiscretions of his Chief of Staff.
to ignore something and pretend it does not exist because it is unpleasant or difficult to deal with: · The officials in charge of the Chernobyl power station had shut their eyes to the danger.· Of course, it is tempting to criticize other countries and close your eyes to all the problems of your own society.
to ignore an unpleasant situation and hope it will stop if you try not to think about it: · You'll never solve your problems if you just bury your head in the sand -- you have to face them.
to not interfere spoken say this when you want someone to stop interfering or asking questions about something that is private: · Whitney, you just mind your own business. He can do what he wants.· He wanted a copy of the will but I told him it was none of his business.· I didn't ask, because it's none of my business really, but I was sure curious.
spoken informal to not get involved in a fight or an argument between other people: · It isn't your business, you stay out of it and let her handle it.· I know what I'm doing - you keep out of it.stay/keep well out of it (=not interfere at all) British: · They're always arguing about money, but I try to stay well out of it.
also not have anything to do with somebody if a situation has nothing to do with someone, it is very personal and private, and that person has no right to interfere in it: · I really shouldn't have told her about it - it had nothing to do with her, really.· Back off and let me handle it. It's nothing to do with you.
British /leave/let well enough alone American spoken to not interfere or try to change a situation, because you might make it worse than before: · I should have left well enough alone, and never told my parents what had happened at all.· Once you've finished a project, leave well alone and go on to the next one.
to lend houses, land, machines etc for money also rent American to allow someone to use a house, piece of land, vehicle etc that belongs to you, in exchange for money: · We rent cars by the hour, to save you money.· Some caterers will rent equipment and supplies for parties at a reasonable cost.rent something (out) to somebody: · I'm thinking of renting the upstairs rooms to students.· The field at the back of the house is rented out to a local farmer.rent somebody something: · We can rent you a luxury apartment for the duration of your stay.· I'm sorry, I've had an accident in the car you rented me this morning.rent (out) something (to somebody): · Mike raised some cash by renting out the two small workshops to local craftsmen.
to allow a company, organization etc to use buildings, land, or equipment for a fixed period of time, in exchange for money: lease something to somebody: · The company plans to sell or lease its remaining stores to other supermarkets.· The aircraft had been leased to a Nigerian airline.lease somebody something: · Internet start-ups are being helped by companies willing to lease them Web servers and space.
British /rent American to allow someone to use a room, house, or office in exchange for money: let/rent something to somebody: · We usually rent our house to someone over the long vacation.· 200,00 sq ft of land was let to a local firm. let/rent out something British: · We even had to rent out the garage to make ends meet.· The company owns about 170 cottages in Britain, which it lets out to tourists.let/rent something out: · Many residents hoped to rent their houses out during the Games.To LetBritish /For Rent American (=written on a sign to show that a room, house, or office is empty and can be rented): · Nellie's house had a 'To Let' sign in the window.
British to allow someone to use something such as a vehicle or clothes for a short period of time, in exchange for money: hire out something: · They were partners in a business which hired out photocopiers.· Do you hire out golf clubs here?hire something/it/them out: · Brooke bought a Rolls Royce and started hiring it out for special occasions.
to lend something to someone also loan especially American, spoken to let someone have money which they will pay back later, or let them use something that is yours, which they will give back to you later: lend/loan somebody something: · Can you lend me $20?· I wish I'd never lent him my car.· We loaned him ten bucks, but he never paid it back.lend/loan something to somebody: · Did you lend that book to Mike?· I lent my penknife to someone, but I can't remember who it was now.· The camera had been loaned to him by his cousin.
to let someone use something that belongs to you, for a short time, especially something such as a room, a house, or something large or expensive: · Some friends are letting us use their house while they are on vacation.· I asked whether she'd let me use her skis, and she said no.· Jim was going to let me have his car while he's away, but he's changed his mind.
something that is on loan , especially a library book or a painting, has been lent to a person or organization: · Is this your video or is it on loan?be on loan from: · The museum has an exhibition of paintings on loan from the Louvre.be on loan to: · It's a digital tape recorder, and it's on loan to me.be out on loan: · If you type in the title, the computer tells you how many copies the library has, and whether they're out on loan.
to lend someone some money: · I thought Dad might give me a loan to set me up in business again. · "I can't afford it, it's too expensive." "Do you want me to give you a loan?"· The bank wouldn't give me a loan because they said I had a bad credit rating.
to allow someone to use something large such as a house or car, especially for a fixed period of time: · Mohammed's giving me the use of his office until I can find a place of my own.· We persuaded the manager to give us free loan of the room and equipment for rehearsals.· She was given the use of the church hall to hold the event.
to lend a painting, work of art etc to a place where it can be shown to the public: · The gallery is currently exhibiting nine bronze statues loaned by the Victoria and Albert Museum.loan something to somebody: · The Museum of Modern Art has agreed to loan its entire Warhol collection to the exhibition.· According to the agreement, the Monet painting is to be retained in France and loaned to the Musée d'Orsay for a limited period.loaned from somebody: · Visitors will be able to examine original documents loaned from the British Museum.
when you offer to help to say that you will do something in order to help someone: · She was the kind of teacher who was always ready to offer advice and encouragement.offer to do something: · I offered to help her with the dishes.thanks for offering: · "Do you want me to look after the children next week?" "No, but thanks for offering."
to offer to do something, especially something difficult or unpleasant: volunteer to do something: · Jill volunteered to go with me to the hospital.· Will anyone volunteer to help me clean up this mess?volunteer for: · No one volunteered for night duty.
British to offer to give help, information, money etc, especially after someone has publicly requested something: · The number of operations may have to be limited unless more blood donors come forward.come forward to do something: · None of the parents came forward to help with the school party.come forward with: · The negotiations will come to an end unless someone comes forward with a new proposal.
spoken say this when you are offering to help someone, especially when you want to be kind or friendly to them: · Let me drive you to the station.· Let me give you a hand with that, mate.· Why don't you let me cook dinner tonight?
also shall I do something British say this when you are offering to do something for someone: · Can I take your bag - it looks heavy.· Would you like me to mail that letter for you? I'm going into town.· Shall I make a copy for you?· "Can I get you anything else?" the waiter asked.
too proud someone who is conceited or big-headed is too proud of their own achievements or abilities, in a way that annoys other people: · You're the most conceited, selfish person I've ever met!· I know this sounds big-headed, but I've always been good at French.
someone who is arrogant behaves as if their opinions are more important than other people's, and thinks that they are always right: · You are a rude and arrogant young man.· his arrogant disregard for other people's opinions
someone who is vain thinks they are very good-looking, special, or intelligent: · She's a vain girl who is always thinking about her figure.· I am vain enough to want to look good, but not to style my hair and paint my toenails.
quietly pleased with yourself in an unpleasant and annoying way, because you think you are in a better position than other people: · Lawson comes over as smug and arrogant, but in fact he's quite a decent man.· If you knew, which I'm sure you did judging from your smug expression, why didn't you tell me?smug about: · I felt very smug about not wasting paper.
someone who is self-satisfied thinks that they are very clever, very successful etc, often without good reason, and shows this in an annoying way: · Doyle's self-satisfied smile irritated Haworth.· He was in his early 40s and had the self-satisfied air of someone who has achieved fame and success.· What makes a second-rate actress like Jean so self-satisfied, so over-confident?
spoken to be always talking about your abilities and achievements and never show any interest in those of other people: · She's a good-looking woman, but too full of herself for my liking.· He was too full of himself to care about anyone else.
feeling unreasonably proud of yourself, especially because you think you have done something clever: · I had made a big profit on the deal and was feeling inordinately pleased with myself.· After deceiving us all like that, she went away, no doubt very pleased with herself.
also fancy yourself British spoken informal use this when you think someone is too proud of their abilities or appearance: · You think you're it, don't you? Well you're not!· Like most young professional footballers, he really fancied himself.
to start behaving as if you are very important as a result of something, for example a success or being praised by someone: · It's not surprising that young rock bands let success go to their heads.· I know you did well, but don't let it go to your head -- the hardest part's still to come.
British /too big for your britches American informal to start thinking you are more important than you really are, especially because you have been successful in something: · Bonaparte wasn't all that bad. He was just a soldier who got too big for his boots.
to not punish someone to not punish someone, or give them a less severe punishment than they deserve: · I'll let you off this time, but don't do it again.let somebody off with a warning/a fine etc (=only give them a warning etc, although they deserve a worse punishment): · He was caught shoplifting, but the police let him off with a warning.
an official order stopping or delaying someone's punishment, especially when the punishment is death: · The group protested against a possible reprieve for an inmate on death row in Texas.grant/give somebody a reprieve: · He was granted a reprieve only a few hours before his execution.
an official order forgiving people who have done something illegal or freeing prisoners - used especially in political contexts: issue/declare/proclaim an amnesty: · The President issued a general amnesty to all the rebels, including their leader.· The government has been forced to declare an amnesty for anyone who has not paid their taxes, because there are now too many to collect.
to relax to make yourself feel calmer, more comfortable, and less worried, by resting or doing something enjoyable: · Just wait! In two weeks' time I'll be relaxing on a beach in Greece.· Trained staff will look after your children, so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.· For heaven's sake Keith, will you just sit down and relax for five minutes!
to gradually relax after you have been working hard or worrying a lot: · After a couple of drinks, Tom began to unwind.· Set in spectacular countryside, the Shiga Hotel is the perfect place to unwind. · The world motorcross champion likes nothing better than unwinding in front of the TV.
to do everything slowly and with less effort than usual so that you do not become worried or tired, especially because you are not feeling strong or healthy: · Now that you've finished your exams, you can take it easy.· I'm going to put my feet up and take it easy this afternoon.take things easy: · Pete will still have to take things easy for while.· My training schedule was very demanding last year, so I'm taking things a bit easier this year.take it easy on yourself: · Take it easy on yourself for a few days. We'll talk later.
informal if you loosen up , you become more relaxed and stop worrying about things: · Hey, loosen up! It's not worth getting upset about something she said.· Our drama teacher would do crazy things, just to get us to loosen up some.
spoken informal to relax and calm down, especially after doing something exciting: · The main reason I'm going to Jamaica is so I can lie on the beach and chill out without being distracted.· Would you like to come back to my place and just chill?
informal to relax completely and enjoy yourself, especially in social situations: · I spotted Juanita really letting her hair down on the dance floor.· Chat rooms on the Internet are a place we can let our hair down and say what we think.
to allow yourself to completely relax in a social situation, and not worry about what is polite, or about what other people may think: · He's quite scholarly, but he can be really funny when he lets himself go.· Dick took me to the party and, for once, I let myself go completely.
to scream to make a loud, high noise, or say something in a loud, high voice, because you are excited, frightened, angry, or in pain: · Everyone panicked, and people started screaming.· "Go away!" she screamedscream at: · Sammy screamed at me to stay back.scream for: · The boy screamed for help.scream with pain/delight/terror etc: · She woke up screaming with terror.
to make a sudden short screaming sound or shout something because you are very frightened, excited etc: · Bella turned and shrieked his name.· "Keep away from me!" she shrieked.shriek with excitement/laughter/fear etc: · The children began shrieking with hysterical laughter.shriek at: · The two women shrieked at one another over the noise of the machines.
to make long, high unpleasant sounds or shout something in an unpleasantly loud, high voice, especially because you are angry: · Sue grabbed him, screeching, and started hitting him with her fists.· "Get out!'' she screeched angrily. "I hate you!''screech at: · Maria suddenly started screeching at Bruno.
to make a sudden very high screaming sound, because you are excited, amused, frightened, or in pain: · The children squealed and fought among themselves.· "Don't you dare!'' Bobby squealed.squeal with excitement/laughter/delight/pain etc: · The boy squealed with pain and surprise.· They all tumbled into the water, squealing with delight.
to give a short cry because you have just been hurt: · The boy grinned, and then yelped as someone hit him in the back.· Sophie yelped with pain and dropped the pan.
to scream or shriek suddenly: let out a scream/shriek of: · Karen let out a scream of terror, as if she had seen a ghost.· The children ran down the hill, letting out shrieks of delight.
to let someone see something to let someone see something, especially by holding it out in front of them: · Everyone has to show their identity cards at the entrance to the building.show somebody something: · Stephanie showed us her engagement ring.· Show me what you're hiding under the desk, Johnny.show somebody something: · You have to show the security guard your pass.show something to somebody: · Neil showed his Pokemon card collection to Harry.
especially spoken to show something to someone, especially because they have asked to see it: · Could you let me see the menu?· How would you feel if I wrote something about you, but I wouldn't let you see it?· Hold it up to the light and let me see what color it is.
also let somebody have a look British to show something to someone, especially so that they can look at it closely, for example in order to fix it: · At least let Mike take a look -- he might be able to help.let sb take a look at: · Let me have a look at your necklace. Perhaps I can fix it.· Take your shirt off, and let me take a look at that cut on your shoulder.
to show something such as an official document or ticket to someone in an official position: · Please present your boarding card at the gate.present something to somebody: · All passports must be presented to the immigration officer.
formal to take something such as a ticket or official paper out of your pocket or bag and show it to someone in an official position: · The man fired from the car window when he was asked by a police officer to produce a license for the weapon.· Failure to produce a valid insurance certificate may result in criminal prosecution.
to very quickly show something such as a ticket to someone when you are entering or leaving a place: · He flashed his membership card as passed through the door.flash something at somebody: · Two police officers burst in, the latter hurriedly flashing his ID card at her as they made their way upstairs.
formal to let someone see something that is usually covered or hidden: · The animal opened its mouth, exposing rows of sharp white teeth.· The receding tide had exposed huge expanses of sand.
to let someone see something that is usually hidden or that they did not know was there: · She lifted the lid of the box to reveal a life-size porcelain baby doll.· A medical examination may reveal evidence of dietary deficiencies.
to make a sound · I knew that if I made any sound, they would find me.· The engine made a very strange noise when I tried to start the car.make a buzzing/creaking/tapping etc sound · Every time someone opens that door, it makes a terrible creaking sound.make a sound/make a noise like · The lamb was making a sound like a baby crying.
: go bang/beep/pop etc especially spoken to make a short loud sound: · I was using the hairdryer and suddenly it went bang and stopped working.· The microwave should go ping when it's finished.
: with a bang/crash/thud etc making a loud sound: · The picture fell to the floor with a loud crash.· Rockets flew into the air and then exploded with a terrific bang.
if something goes off , it starts making a noise - use this about warning bells, clocks that tell you it is time to get up etc: · My neighbour's car alarm went off three times last night.· I get up as soon as the alarm clock goes off at 7:15.
to make a particular kind of sound - use this especially in scientific and technical contexts: · The machine emits regular bleeps which indicate the heart rate.· Sounds emitted by the dolphins were recorded with an underwater microphone.
if someone lets out a particular kind of sound, they make it, especially when something surprises, frightens, or hurts them: · "It can't be true," Maria said, letting out a sob.· A hand touched her shoulder. She let out a scream.
to become less strict to change your mind and decide to be less strict about something: · Marjorie finally relented and agreed to meet him.· Prison officials relented and allowed Wilson to receive visits from his family.· He begged and begged to be allowed to go to the game, and in the end I relented.
to become less strict and more sympathetic towards someone: · The inspector looked angry but then softened when he saw the boy's frightened expression.· The government seems to have softened its attitude towards single parents.
to change your attitude and become less strict, especially over a long period of time: · She's mellowed a lot since she retired.mellow with age/time: · He hasn't always been so understanding. He's really mellowed with age.
especially spoken to treat someone less strictly than usual, especially because they have special problems or difficulties: · Go easy on her. She's had a very difficult time since her parents died.· I think you should go easy on Jim.
to stop treating someone so strictly, especially because they do not deserve it or because they are affected badly by it: · I've decided we need to ease up on Sally and take the pressure off her for a while.
to treat someone less strictly, especially temporarily after a period of strict treatment: · If you let up on him he'll have a chance to show that he can behave himself.· She never lets up on those poor kids!
to tell someone something that was a secret to tell someone something that should be kept secret: · What did she say? Tell me!· If someone asked me to keep a secret I would never tell.tell somebody where/what/who etc: · He didn't tell me where he got this information.tell somebody about something: · Don't tell anyone about this just yet.tell somebody a secret: · Come here Eva - let me tell you a secret.tell somebody something in the strictest confidence (=tell someone something on the condition that they do not tell anyone): · I'm telling you this in the strictest confidence, so not a word to anyone.
especially written to let people know about something that was previously kept secret: · The company has just revealed its plans for the coming year, including the opening of new offices in Paris.· What actually happened to the gold has never been revealed.reveal (that): · Markov revealed that he had once worked for the CIA.· Ginsberg withdrew his application to become Attorney General after it was revealed that he had smoked marijuana at college.
to publicly reveal something such as a fact or a name that has been kept secret or hidden: · The agent does not have to disclose the amount his client paid.disclose that: · In the report it was disclosed that neither pilot nor controller had any experience of the radar system in use at the time of the crash.disclose information/details/evidence etc: · The Security Service is unlikely to disclose any information.disclose somebody's identity (=say who someone is): · He refused to disclose the identity of the politician.
to make a piece of important information known to the public, especially after keeping it secret for some time: · The Senator will make his decision public on Friday.· Reporters learned the news on Friday but agreed not to make it public until the following day.make it public that: · Freddie Mercury died only two days after making it public that he was suffering from AIDS.
formal to give someone some very important and often personal information which was previously secret or unknown: · The other three companies refused to divulge their plans.divulge what/where/when etc: · I'm afraid I cannot divulge what Jameson said to me.divulge something to somebody: · The contract forbids employees to divulge details of this work to anyone outside the company.
to tell the public about the secret activities of a person or organization, because you think that people ought to know about something morally wrong that is being done: · Her criminal activities were finally exposed in the Washington Post by political columnist Richard McCallum.expose to: · They threatened to expose him to the media unless he changed his ways.
to deliberately give secret government information to a newspaper or television company: · A man was charged today with leaking official secrets.· The Congressman was furious that the report had been leaked.leak something to somebody: · The contents of the fax were leaked to the press
informal to tell someone about something that has been planned and was supposed to be a secret: · "Does Phillip know about our plan?" "Yes, someone must have spilled the beans."· The class managed to keep the party a secret until Lorraine, unable to control herself any longer, spilled the beans.
informal to tell someone about a secret plan or idea so that they are involved in it, especially because you trust them: · We'll let you in on our plan if you promise to keep it a secret.· I know you're up to something so you might as well let me in on it.
informal to tell someone a secret - use this when you disapprove of this: · OK I'll tell you, but you'd better not blab!blab about: · She went and blabbed about Ernie's surprise party.blab to: · Better not say anything about it to Mickey -- he'll just end up blabbing to someone.
to give someone information by speaking or writing to them · If you'd told me earlier I might have been able to do something about it.tell somebody something · I want you to tell me all the details.· Who on earth told you that?· Can you tell me the quickest way to the centre of town?tell somebody (that) · She wrote to tell me she was getting married.· We were told that the manager wanted to see us in his office immediately.tell somebody what/where/who etc · Just tell me what happened.· Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?tell somebody about something · Have you told anyone about this?· One angry passenger claimed travellers were not told about the mechanical problems.
especially spoken to tell someone something important that they need to know or want to know: · If you need any help, just let me know.· You mean she just left without letting anyone know?let sb know about: · They said they'd let her know about the job by the end of the week.let somebody know something: · I'll let you know our new address as soon as I have it.let sb know (that): · When you get there, will you phone and let me know you arrived safely?let sb know what/where/how etc: · Jean tried to get in touch with her husband to let him know what had happened.
to officially or formally give someone information about something: · Do you think we ought to inform the police?inform somebody of/about something: · You should inform your bank of any change of address.· Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe.inform somebody (that): · I am sorry to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.
formal to officially or formally give important information to someone, especially by telling them about something that has happened or that will happen: · Passengers are requested to notify a member of staff if they see suspicious packages.notify somebody of something: · Police notified the boy's parents of his death immediately.notify somebody that: · Staff were notified several months in advance that they would be losing their jobs.
to tell someone about something that they did not know but which they should know: · I am sure that your parents will want to know about this, and I will personally bring it to their attention.· The General Medical Council cannot investigate every controversial treatment brought to its attention.it's been brought to my attention/notice that: · It's been brought to my notice that you've expressed your dislike of a certain member of the company.
to tell someone some bad news or something that might upset them: · Do you want to break the news or shall I?· She suspected that she had cancer, and that the doctors were trying to break it to her gradually.· After Jack's body was found, a policewoman had to break the news to his mother.break it to somebody that: · He was wondering how to break it to Celeste that their relationship was over.break the news gently/break it to somebody gently (=tell someone something in a way that does not shock them too much): · Maybe I should speak to Connor first, so he can break the news gently to Patrick and Mary.
to accidentally tell someone a secret: let slip that · Alex let slip that he had spoken to Julie on the phone and knew where she was.let slip something/let something slip · He inadvertently let slip the name of their new product.
informal to accidentally tell someone something that allows them to guess a secret: · I'm sorry. Jim knows about last week's party. I'm afraid I let the cat out of the bag.· Some idiot's let the cat out of the bag -- Mrs Simpson realizes there's something going on.
British /give the whole thing away American informal to accidentally say something or do something that makes someone guess a secret: · Don't mention Dad's birthday or you'll give the game away.· If you don't want to give the whole thing away, take that stupid smile off your face!
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Jenny let the note fall to the ground. Don’t let anyone know it was me who told you. Max let the door swing open. Let the cookies cool down before you try them. I stupidly let myself be persuaded to take part in a live debate. Let’s not jump to conclusions – he might have been delayed. Let’s hope he got your message in time. I couldn’t let it go for less than £300. She had been let down badly in the past. He let out a cry of disbelief.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Idly she let her eyes drift over his desk. What star sign are you? No, let me guess. The pressure at work continued without any let-up. Carla made some comment about my work but I decided to let it pass. The government has let the whole country go to pot. Ella let out a piercing shriek. Well, I guess we can let it slide this time. He let it slip that they were planning to get married. It’s terrible – she lets her kids just walk all over her. She let out a yell when she saw me. The water was hotter than she had expected, and she gave an involuntary yelp.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
Jenny let the note fall to the ground. Don’t let anyone know it was me who told you. Max let the door swing open. Let the cookies cool down before you try them. I stupidly let myself be persuaded to take part in a live debate. Let’s not jump to conclusions – he might have been delayed. Let’s hope he got your message in time. British English informal Don’t let’s argue like this.
Don’t let’s argue like this. I couldn’t let it go for less than £300. written (=written on a sign outside a building to show that it is available for renting)
She had been let down badly in the past. British English (=disappoint a group of people that you belong to)
(=allow someone to escape punishment or criticism) He’d decided to make Sandra wait before letting her off the hook.
He’d decided to make Sandra wait before letting her off the hook. (=give someone a less serious punishment than they deserve) I think young criminals are let off far too lightly.
I think young criminals are let off far too lightly. He let out a cry of disbelief. (=let fresh air into a room)· It would be nice to open the door and let in some air.
(=used when thinking about a possible event or situation and its possible results) Let us assume for a moment that we could indeed fire her. Should we?
Let us assume for a moment that we could indeed fire her. Should we? (=breathe out)· Let your breath out slowly and relax.
(=let it or make it go outside)· Can you let the cat out?
· Seeing the fields and mountains, she let out a cry of delight.
Idly she let her eyes drift over his desk. (=let the other team score a goal)· Chelsea let in a goal in the 63rd minute.
What star sign are you? No, let me guess. (also let your imagination run riot British English) (=allow yourself to imagine many strange or wonderful things)· He uses painting as a way of letting his imagination run riot.
(=used to encourage someone else to think about a possibility)· Let us imagine that you are an employer who wants to recruit some new staff.
· She gave a loud laugh.
· Let's introduce ourselves.
The pressure at work continued without any let-up. (=let something go free) Don’t let your dog loose on the beach.
Don’t let your dog loose on the beach. (=stop discussing or worrying about something)· I was too curious to let the matter drop.
Carla made some comment about my work but I decided to let it pass. The government has let the whole country go to pot.· When’s he going to be let out of prison?
· He let out a piercing scream.
(=tell them a secret)· Frank let me in on the secret.
Ella let out a piercing shriek.· She let out a sigh of disappointment.
Well, I guess we can let it slide this time. He let it slip that they were planning to get married. It’s terrible – she lets her kids just walk all over her. She let out a yell when she saw me. The water was hotter than she had expected, and she gave an involuntary yelp.· There were horse-drawn cabs with the hoods let down, and cars going by.· When I was young, I let down my parents by quitting Sorbonne.· She, too, was let down by those in authority whose job it was to protect her.· Balletomanes got to see their favorite dancers let down their hair.· At night, part of the panel was let down, revealing a bed with concealed lighting behind.· Keep it coming like you are. Let down a little.· Ferguson then said he would buy the title for the fans he had so badly let down.· Quickly, Della let down her beautiful, long hair.
· Not for the first time this year, Seles had been let off with a mere slap on the wrist.· Parents were let off the hook.· Then, to mark the end of the service, three enormous thunder-flashes were let off in the rear gatehouse.· Lousy schools and dysfunctional teachers were let off the hook.· We let off steam in graffiti, vandalism and football hooliganism.· Or did the high turnout suggest a letting off of steam after three intense years of flood recovery?· When Manly-Warringah dropped out of the chase, St George stepped up the pressure and have never really let off.· He was moving in slow motion when Jimmy let off a sudden burst that sent chunks of sidewalk flying everywhere.
· On Thursday Major Vanavskaya suffered her first serious set-back, let out a very unladylike expletive and slammed the phone down.· Balor let out a bellow of fear and, in the same moment, the Trees closed in.· And with that he let out a long raspberry that inspired some applause.· He let out a long-held breath.· It was only as my sister reopened the front door to let out her pet cat that I was noticed.· It was to be hoped that Joanna didn't let out details of their various clients and the pet shop.· And he was fully expecting to be let out.
NOUN· So Kylie, never one to let a lesson pass unheeded, acted on it.· Mr Punsalong taught me to let pain pass through me.· And Lisbie knew Fiona wasn't going to let this one pass without a major counterattack.· She could not stand the thought that she would be left again; she always let the warning pass.· I think not, Clive, but let that pass.· I let the subject pass and made a mental note for myself.· He let the timber pass by intending to slip the hook over the rope at its head.
· Its opponents, however, were unlikely to let the matter rest where it stood in September 1932.· She rolled on top of him, letting her full weight rest on his body.· He let his hammer rest on the shoe sole and looked up.· Attention creates the foreground of consciousness, letting the rest slip into peripheral awareness.· Anyway, you really should have just taken the useful tips from his lecture and let the rest slide.· When she sat down she didn't let herself rest against the back of the chair.· Season buffalo steaks with salt and pepper to taste and let them rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
· It lets you copy and run files and search for and rename programs.· She played the fish, gave it some slack and let it run till it hesitated, then slowly drew it back.· They let Celtic fire run, uninhibitedly.· Some people let their under-fives run riot.· Never let a man run the whole show.· Equally unexpectedly, he let the contest run to the bitter end.· We would let his interest run its course.
· Be careful lads not to let this one slip away!· He tried to let Billie and Carlo slip to the back of his mind.· On the few occasions I have met him it has been very difficult for me not to let slip something about you.· Not a word had Dooley let slip, not even a hint.· And on most of the occasions when they had been alone together he hadn't let a chance slip by.· Just a little slower, maybe let the needle slip back down toward eighty, maybe seventy.· Even if he did not allow himself to betray his secret directly he might let slip something that would provide a clue.· The chance to convert a proposal long mooted into reality was too precious to let slip.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► let’s just say (that)► let something drop/rest/lie► never let a day/week/year etc go by without doing something► let the good times roll► let somebody down lightly/gently► let somebody off (something)► let something ↔ off► let out something► let something ↔ out► let something ↔ outPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► let something drift► let the dust settle/wait for the dust to settle► let the genie out of the bottle► let somebody get on with it► not let the grass grow under your feet► let’s hear it for somebody► let me be the judge of that► let it be known/make it known (that)► let (something ↔) loose► let me remind you/may I remind you (that)► let it/her rip► let’s roll► let’s get this show on the road► let something slip► let somebody stew
1allow [transitive not in passive] to allow someone to do something: - I said well, let me think about it.
- These kids were by... gee, let me think.
- He would not rush the boy, he had to let him come to him.
- I also owed Maggie the courtesy of letting her know I didn't need her to do my legwork any longer.
- I had once made the mistake of letting him do this.
- I stood there, thinking to myself, Okay just let him wear himself out.
- Of course, Kate could have shrugged and let him stew in his own juice, or lack of it.
- Then let her do it for the Junior League.
- Let's face it, Scott. We're not as young as we used to be.
- Dick took me to the party and, for once, I let myself go completely.
- He's quite scholarly, but he can be really funny when he lets himself go.
- She's really let herself go since she had the baby.
- I merely let myself go to impulse.
- If they are kind, if they care about you, they may want to know why you are letting yourself go.
- One thing you could say for my daughter, she never let herself go.
- People may be unusually observant and tell you that you are letting yourself go.
- Perhaps Moira and Martin had almost lost each other because they were afraid to let themselves go.
- She'd let herself go, last night - but she was none the worse for it, was she?
- That left plenty of room for those wanting to let themselves go.
- You can come up and let yourself go - shout about and that and muck about.
- I've nowhere to store all this china, so I'm letting the whole lot go for $50.
- They've held the world record for many years, and they're not going to let it go without a fight.
- I wouldn't work with my mom, let alone my whole family.
- But these images were not arbitrary, let alone trivial.
- Hardly an inspirational notion, let alone a formula for improved customer relations.
- I doubt he would have given one of his grandparents a point that morning, let alone me.
- If your income drops or ends, how will you pay them off, let alone keep up with the accumulating interest?
- It's disappointing that Butman doesn't ask these questions, let alone provide answers.
- It's unwise to let policy be influenced, let alone jeopardized, by outraged personal pride.
- Keeper Judge never touched him let alone trip him.
- Many thousands of children had never even seen, let alone owned a pair of shoes.
- Alex let slip that he had spoken to Julie on the phone and knew where she was.
- He inadvertently let slip the name of their new product.
- Even if he did not allow himself to betray his secret directly he might let slip something that would provide a clue.
- From there on, they never let slip their icy grip on the game.
- He had let slip he was married.
- I happened to let slip how much James gave me for it.
- It was true that Miss Devenish let slip a good deal of fragmentary information about Tolby.
- Not a word had Dooley let slip, not even a hint.
- On the few occasions I have met him it has been very difficult for me not to let slip something about you.
- The chance to convert a proposal long mooted into reality was too precious to let slip.
- Let c equal 6.
- He was probably right, but I wondered what we were letting ourselves in for.
- I took his point and wondered what I had let myself in for.
- It is important that people are aware what they are letting themselves in for.
- Property: Don't let yourself in for trouble Choosing the right agent is essential if you want to rent your property.
- Thistle's early season promise has evaporated, and debutant Julian Broddle must be wondering what he's let himself in for.
- We must know what we are letting ourselves in for, theoretically, when we use such measures.
- What exactly was I letting myself in for?
- What have I let myself in for?
- Mrs. Kramer really let him have it for spilling the paint.
- As for the Cub players they came out on the steps of their dugout and really let me have it.
- Do report recurring faults to the developers; that's why they let you have it free.
- He says that you just let them have it!
- I let him have it to get rid of him.
- Instead of saying no, they let the kids have it.
- Netscape hooked millions of web surfers on Navigator by letting them have it for free.
- They suggested she borrow the money until such time as they could let her have it.
- We should have let them have it.
- Let go! You're hurting me.
- At the end of the fair, the school let go of hundreds of balloons.
- Just let go and jump.
- She wouldn't let go of the letter.
- Cory Selliker, his eyes watering under the brim of his black Earnhardt cap, heard Marchman's advice to let go.
- He let go and ducked back into the driving rain.
- It was as if they were clinging to each other, and they couldn't let go.
- So mestizo culture - reluctant to let go of tradition - created its own deity to host the yearly handout.
- Then the turtle was going to tear his arms off, and he let go.
- They let go of the girl and led Hilda behind the partition.
- What was it that he himself would have to let go of before he reached the mountaintop?
- You have to let go or go mad.
- Among the many booksellers and publishers whom I spotted letting their hair down on the dance floor was independent publisher Christopher Hurst.
- He liked this: what his pub was all about, for people to let their hair down.
- In the second half Complicite let their hair down in their own inimitable way.
- Man's got ta let his hair down.
- Out in the pasture, the princess let her hair down.
- This was the day our friends let their hair down and spoke with amazing frankness.
- We know when we can afford to let our hair down and when we can't.
- Never let your guard down was the only solace he offered.
- We must not let our defences down, Mrs Thatcher and other cautious voices would argue.
- Due to a lack of evidence against the suspect, the police had to let the prisoner go.
- I just kept praying that the man would let me go.
- The police let her go after a night in jail.
- We've had to let three people go this month.
- Okay, let's see, what were we talking about?
- Why don't we let bygones be bygones and forget about the whole thing.
- Although the book ended on a positive note in that the enemy's group leader tried to let bygones be bygones.
- He lets bygones be bygones, they say, and is always happy to welcome back the wayward.
- It raps a defector over the knuckles instantly but, after that, lets bygones be bygones.
- McVie credits Buckingham for letting bygones be bygones.
- Nor was he willing to let bygones be bygones once a quarrel had finally come to an end.
- We will let bygones be bygones.
- I'm sorry. Jim knows about last week's party. I'm afraid I let the cat out of the bag.
- Some idiot's let the cat out of the bag -- Mrs Simpson realizes there's something going on.
- Inadvertently perhaps, the BiE report lets the cat out of the bag.
- And there all the time, a line of kneeling archers, letting fly from behind their ranked shields.
- He located running back John Fuqua 20 yards downfield and let fly.
- If the threat still persists, he will let fly with one or both hindlegs.
- It seems that the Battler and Rico let fly at somebody who was coming out of the back door of the Regal Arms.
- Kimberley let fly at the dangling men from a hopeless range.
- Sit it on a hill and wait till the enemy is within half range and then let fly.
- The Bashers tightened lips, hunched shoulders, and let fly.
- You have only to come close enough to my hide and I let fly.
- Chat rooms on the Internet are a place we can let our hair down and say what we think.
- I spotted Juanita really letting her hair down on the dance floor.
- Playing softball is just a good way to let your hair down and have fun.
- You can really let your hair down and do what you want at the club.
- Among the many booksellers and publishers whom I spotted letting their hair down on the dance floor was independent publisher Christopher Hurst.
- He liked this: what his pub was all about, for people to let their hair down.
- In the second half Complicite let their hair down in their own inimitable way.
- Man's got ta let his hair down.
- Out in the pasture, the princess let her hair down.
- This was the day our friends let their hair down and spoke with amazing frankness.
- We know when we can afford to let our hair down and when we can't.
- Each time you let it all hang out, you lower your threshold for doing it again.
- My face resembled the back of one of those baboons who let it all hang out at mating time.
- Now you can anonymously let it all hang out online.
- Was it possible to go too far, or should he just let it all hang out?
- We let it all hang out.
- People will think they let Charmaine off the hook because she's a woman.
- And he was at the heart of two of the double plays that got Johns off the hook.
- And this time there is no second match to get anyone off the hook!
- Apologising for ourselves Apologising and being self-deprecating can let you off the hook.
- Home striker Paul Crimmen let them off the hook on a number of occasions and Horsham had two goals disallowed.
- I emphasize the tense because Congress has the habit of letting itself off the hook when convenient.
- It could even, in a pinch, get him off the hook for the nightly walk to the monument.
- Why, she wondered, when she had effectively let him off the hook?
- You could let them off the hook, or you could reel them in.
- She couldn't live and let live.
- The Smiths, though, have little time for the live and let live view.
- He seemed to have forgotten about only letting me loose on water.
- We let the Pacer loose on two testers - one fast, one slow.
- Who was feeding him or even letting him loose on occasions?
- Just relax and let nature take its course.
- With a cold, it's better to just let nature take its course.
- I meant that, in the case of any other industry, we probably would have let nature take its course.
- I think we should let nature take its course.
- Should I just let nature take its course or stop it now?
- Stay calm and let nature take its course.
- The best is to obtain juveniles from a number of sources, rear them together and let nature take its course.
- When she started criticizing my parents, I couldn't let it pass.
- However, she can rest assured that we will not let the matter rest.
- I was going to knock for I was still intrigued by him but Benjamin called me so I let the matter rest.
- In her opinion anybody with any sense would let the matter rest there.
- Innocent maintained that Philip should have gone to Rome for absolution but for the moment he let the matter rest.
- Its opponents, however, were unlikely to let the matter rest where it stood in September 1932.
- She simply refused to let the matter rest where it.was.
- We can't just let this ride - this kid's future is at stake.
- Harriet finally let rip with 20 years of stored resentment.
- And picture the scene when a bunch of the boys let rip with the Toreador Song from Carmen.
- And, quite frankly, I just let rip.
- But Lord McNally, a Liberal Democrat, was able to let rip.
- Encouraged, and not noticing in his excitement the look of horror on his Rachel's face, Alfred let rip.
- He had carte blanche to let rip.
- In the end, the market is let rip.
- Out on the motorway he let rip.
- "So who was she with?" "Let's just say it wasn't Ted."
- And Martini rolls a big, let me see, a big nineteen.
- But you could give me this project, put me in charge of the entire operation - and let me see it through.
- I promised to give it the fifty-one hours, so that's, let me see, forty-five left.
- Now let me see if I can split the difference.
- So far, let me see, it's two-eighty.
- Why won't you let me see your schoolbooks nowadays?
- Brown was constantly letting the side down.
- Essentially, it's the ageing drivetrain that lets the side down.
- I don't want to let the side down - don't send me to the Sick Room!
- It is an unmentionable subject, a terrible way of letting the side down.
- Stay here, and don't let the baby out of your sight.
- The best plan is just to let sleeping dogs lie.
- Management has let safety standards slide at the plant.
- And on most of the occasions when they had been alone together he hadn't let a chance slip by.
- As an aside, the parties let it slip that the idea of a true playoff system had been scrapped.
- Attention creates the foreground of consciousness, letting the rest slip into peripheral awareness.
- Be careful lads not to let this one slip away!
- Colin, on the other hand, became discouraged and let things slip.
- He held it up, and let it slip between his fingers.
- The Celtics let this one slip away slowly, painfully and needlessly.
- Wrapped up with visions of kissing Deborah, I had ignored his bedtime rituals and let him slip away.
- Recess is a good chance for kids to blow off steam.
- It was recreation hour, explained Brother Andrew with a smile, and the Brothers were letting off steam.
- Jody lets her blow off steam first.
- Others have behavioural problems and need to let off steam in a safe and controlled setting.
- She just needed to blow off steam.
- So kicking the cat, biting a towel or pounding a pillow aren't really much use, except for letting off steam.
- We let off steam in graffiti, vandalism and football hooliganism.
- You got upset, blew off steam.
- You want to let off steam?
I can’t come out tonight – my dad won’t let me.let somebody do something Let Johnny have a go on the computer now. Some people seem to let their kids do whatever they like. Let me have a look at that letter.let somebody have something (=give something to someone) I can let you have another £10, but no more.► see thesaurus at allowRegisterIn written English, people often prefer to use allow somebody to do something rather than let somebody do something, as it is slightly more formal:· We must allow young people to develop independence.2not stop something happening [transitive] to not stop something happening, or to make it possible for it to happenlet somebody/something do something Jenny let the note fall to the ground. Don’t let anyone know it was me who told you. Max let the door swing open. Let the cookies cool down before you try them.let yourself be beaten/persuaded/fooled etc I stupidly let myself be persuaded to take part in a live debate.3let go a)to stop holding something or someone: Let go! You’re hurting me.let of The guard let go of the lead, and the dog lunged forward. b)to accept that you cannot change something and stop thinking or worrying about it: Sometimes you just have to learn to let go.4let somebody go a)to allow someone to leave a place where they have been kept SYN release: The police had to let him go through lack of evidence. The hijackers were persuaded to let some hostages go. b)to make someone leave their job – used in order to avoid saying this directly: I’m afraid we had to let several of our staff go.SPOKEN PHRASES5suggest/offer [transitive] used to make a suggestion or to offer helplet’s do something Let’s make a start, shall we? Let’s all get together over Christmas. Let’s not jump to conclusions – he might have been delayed.let somebody do something Let me help you with those bags. Let me give you a piece of advice.let’s hope (that) Let’s hope he got your message in time.don’t let’s do something British English informal Don’t let’s argue like this.6let’s see (also let me see) used when you are thinking about or trying to remember something: Today’s date is – let me see, March 20th. Now, let’s see, where did I put your application form?7let me think used to say that you need time to think about or remember something: What was his name, now? Let me think.8let him/her/them etc used to say that you do not care if someone does something they are threatening to do: ‘She says she’s going to sell her story to the newspapers!’ ‘Well, let her!’9let’s face it/let’s be honest used to say that someone must accept an unpleasant fact or situation: Let’s face it, no one’s going to lend us any money.10let’s just say (that) used to say that you are not going to give someone all the details about something: ‘So who did it?’ ‘Let’s just say it wasn’t anyone in this family.’11let yourself go a)to relax completely and enjoy yourself: For goodness sake, Peter, why don’t you just let yourself go for once? b)to stop looking after yourself properly, for example by not caring about your appearance: Poor Dad. He’s really let himself go since Mum died.12let something go a)to not punish or criticize someone for something they have done wrong: OK, I’ll let it go this time. b)to stop worrying or thinking too much about something: It’s time to let the past go. c)informal to sell something for a particular amountlet something go for £20/$200 etc I couldn’t let it go for less than £300.13wish [transitive not in passive] used to say that you wish or hope that something happens, or does not happen(not) let somebody/something do something Don’t let him be the one who died, she prayed.14let alone used after a negative statement to say that the next thing you mention is even more unlikely: The baby can’t even sit up yet, let alone walk!15let something drop/rest/lie to stop talking about or trying to deal with something: It seems the press are not going to let the matter rest.16let slip to accidentally tell someone something that should have been kept secretlet that Liz let slip that she’d seen him quite recently.17rent [transitive] especially British English to charge someone an amount of money for the use of a room or building SYN lease: Interhome has over 20,000 houses to let across Europe.let something to somebody I’ve let my spare room to a student.let somebody something Would you consider letting me the garage for a few months?let something out to somebody We let the smaller studios out to local artists.To Let written (=written on a sign outside a building to show that it is available for renting)18mathematics let something be/equal/represent something technical used in mathematics to mean that you give something a particular measurement or value in order to make a calculation: Let angle A equal the sum of the two opposite sides.19let yourself in for something informal to do something that will cause you a lot of trouble: I don’t think Carol realizes what she’s letting herself in for.20never let a day/week/year etc go by without doing something used to say that someone does a particular thing very regularly: They never seem to let a year go by without introducing a new version of their software.21let the good times roll informal used to say that it is time for people to start having fun22let somebody have it informal to attack someone → let fly (something) at fly1(17), → let it all hang out at hang out, → live and let live at live1(21), → let it/her rip at rip1(6), → let rip at rip1(5)let somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb1to not do something that someone trusts or expects you to do: She had been let down badly in the past. The worst feeling is having let our fans down.let the side down British English (=disappoint a group of people that you belong to)2to make someone or something less successful or effective: McKenzie’s judgement rarely lets him down.3to move something or someone to a lower position: Let down a rope so that I can climb up. Carefully, she let herself down into the water.4let your hair down informal to relax and enjoy yourself, especially after working hard: Visitors young and old let their hair down and enjoyed the show.5let your guard/defences down to relax and stop worrying about what might happen or what someone might find out about you: Maggie never really lets her guard down, does she?6let somebody down lightly/gently to give someone bad news in a way that will not upset them too much: I get asked out on dates quite often, but I always try to let the guy down gently.7British English to allow the air to escape from something so that it loses its shape and becomes flat: Someone’s let my tyres down!8to make a piece of clothing longer by unfolding a folded edge OPP take upGRAMMAR: Comparisonlet• You let someone do something: · Her boss lets her work from home. ✗Don’t say: let someone to do somethingLet is not used in the passive.allow• You allow someone to do something: · Her boss allows her to work from home.• Something is allowed: · Working from home is allowed.Allow is often used in the passive.permit• Something is permitted: · Working from home is permitted.• Someone is permitted to do something: · Employees are permitted to work from home.Permit is usually used in the passive.let somebody in on something phrasal verb to tell something that is secret or only known by a few people: TV chef Raymond Blanc lets us in on the secrets of his kitchen. Would someone mind letting me in on the joke?let somebody/something into something phrasal verb1to tell someone something that is secret or private: It was time to let the rest of the family into the secret.2technical to put something such as a window or a decoration into a wall: Two large windows were let into the wall each side of the door.GRAMMAR Let into is usually passive in this meaning.let somebody/something off phrasal verb1to not punish someone: I’ll let you off this time, but don’t do it again.let off with After checking our identities, the customs men let us off with a warning.let somebody off the hook (=allow someone to escape punishment or criticism) He’d decided to make Sandra wait before letting her off the hook.let somebody off lightly/easily (=give someone a less serious punishment than they deserve) I think young criminals are let off far too lightly.2let somebody off (something) if someone in authority lets you off something you should do, they give you permission not to do it: You’ve worked hard all week, so I’ll let you off today.3let something ↔ off to make something explode: One boy had let off a firework in class. → let/blow off steam at steam1(4)let on phrasal verb informal to tell someone something, especially something you have been keeping secretlet on (that) Don’t let on that I told you.let on who/why/how etc We never did let on how we found out. I’m sure he knows more than he’s letting on.let out phrasal verb1let out something to suddenly make a loud sound such as a shout or crylet out a scream/cry/roar etc He let out a cry of disbelief.2let something ↔ out to make a piece of clothing wider or looser, especially because it is too tight3let something ↔ out British English to charge someone an amount of money for the use of a room or building: We’re letting out our son’s old room to a student.4American English if a school, college, film etc lets out, it ends and the people attending it can leave: What time does the movie let out? → let the cat out of the bag at cat(2)let up phrasal verb1to become less severe or harmful: The wind had dropped and the rain gradually let up.2to be less severe, unkind, or violent towards someone: Even when the crowd had scattered, the police didn’t let up.3to stop working as hard as you were: You’re doing really well, but you can’t afford to let up now.let1 verblet2 noun
letlet2 noun EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- This would justify the fact that to is not used with this sense of let.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Idly she let her eyes drift over his desk. What star sign are you? No, let me guess. The pressure at work continued without any let-up. Carla made some comment about my work but I decided to let it pass. The government has let the whole country go to pot. Ella let out a piercing shriek. Well, I guess we can let it slide this time. He let it slip that they were planning to get married. It’s terrible – she lets her kids just walk all over her. She let out a yell when she saw me. The water was hotter than she had expected, and she gave an involuntary yelp.
(=let fresh air into a room)· It would be nice to open the door and let in some air.
(=used when thinking about a possible event or situation and its possible results) Let us assume for a moment that we could indeed fire her. Should we?
Let us assume for a moment that we could indeed fire her. Should we? (=breathe out)· Let your breath out slowly and relax.
(=let it or make it go outside)· Can you let the cat out?
· Seeing the fields and mountains, she let out a cry of delight.
Idly she let her eyes drift over his desk. (=let the other team score a goal)· Chelsea let in a goal in the 63rd minute.
What star sign are you? No, let me guess. (also let your imagination run riot British English) (=allow yourself to imagine many strange or wonderful things)· He uses painting as a way of letting his imagination run riot.
(=used to encourage someone else to think about a possibility)· Let us imagine that you are an employer who wants to recruit some new staff.
· She gave a loud laugh.
· Let's introduce ourselves.
The pressure at work continued without any let-up. (=let something go free) Don’t let your dog loose on the beach.
Don’t let your dog loose on the beach. (=stop discussing or worrying about something)· I was too curious to let the matter drop.
Carla made some comment about my work but I decided to let it pass. The government has let the whole country go to pot.· When’s he going to be let out of prison?
· He let out a piercing scream.
(=tell them a secret)· Frank let me in on the secret.
Ella let out a piercing shriek.· She let out a sigh of disappointment.
Well, I guess we can let it slide this time. He let it slip that they were planning to get married. It’s terrible – she lets her kids just walk all over her. She let out a yell when she saw me. The water was hotter than she had expected, and she gave an involuntary yelp.PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► let something drift► let the dust settle/wait for the dust to settle► let the genie out of the bottle► let somebody get on with it► not let the grass grow under your feet► let’s hear it for somebody► let me be the judge of that► let it be known/make it known (that)► let (something ↔) loose► let me remind you/may I remind you (that)► let it/her rip► let’s roll► let’s get this show on the road► let something slip► let somebody stew
1[countable] British English an arrangement in which a house or flat is rented to someone: - Instead of the passport opening frontiers to the traveller without let or hindrance, it has become the means of international surveillance.
- It should flow easily, though not too swiftly, through the manholes, without let or hindrance.
- The willingness to thin the office staff without let or hindrance.
- Truth, however tawdry or trivial, may be told without let or hindrance from libel laws.
- Why don't we let bygones be bygones and forget about the whole thing.
- Although the book ended on a positive note in that the enemy's group leader tried to let bygones be bygones.
- He lets bygones be bygones, they say, and is always happy to welcome back the wayward.
- It raps a defector over the knuckles instantly but, after that, lets bygones be bygones.
- McVie credits Buckingham for letting bygones be bygones.
- Nor was he willing to let bygones be bygones once a quarrel had finally come to an end.
- We will let bygones be bygones.
- I'm sorry. Jim knows about last week's party. I'm afraid I let the cat out of the bag.
- Some idiot's let the cat out of the bag -- Mrs Simpson realizes there's something going on.
- Inadvertently perhaps, the BiE report lets the cat out of the bag.
- And there all the time, a line of kneeling archers, letting fly from behind their ranked shields.
- He located running back John Fuqua 20 yards downfield and let fly.
- If the threat still persists, he will let fly with one or both hindlegs.
- It seems that the Battler and Rico let fly at somebody who was coming out of the back door of the Regal Arms.
- Kimberley let fly at the dangling men from a hopeless range.
- Sit it on a hill and wait till the enemy is within half range and then let fly.
- The Bashers tightened lips, hunched shoulders, and let fly.
- You have only to come close enough to my hide and I let fly.
- Chat rooms on the Internet are a place we can let our hair down and say what we think.
- I spotted Juanita really letting her hair down on the dance floor.
- Playing softball is just a good way to let your hair down and have fun.
- You can really let your hair down and do what you want at the club.
- Among the many booksellers and publishers whom I spotted letting their hair down on the dance floor was independent publisher Christopher Hurst.
- He liked this: what his pub was all about, for people to let their hair down.
- In the second half Complicite let their hair down in their own inimitable way.
- Man's got ta let his hair down.
- Out in the pasture, the princess let her hair down.
- This was the day our friends let their hair down and spoke with amazing frankness.
- We know when we can afford to let our hair down and when we can't.
- Each time you let it all hang out, you lower your threshold for doing it again.
- My face resembled the back of one of those baboons who let it all hang out at mating time.
- Now you can anonymously let it all hang out online.
- Was it possible to go too far, or should he just let it all hang out?
- We let it all hang out.
- People will think they let Charmaine off the hook because she's a woman.
- And he was at the heart of two of the double plays that got Johns off the hook.
- And this time there is no second match to get anyone off the hook!
- Apologising for ourselves Apologising and being self-deprecating can let you off the hook.
- Home striker Paul Crimmen let them off the hook on a number of occasions and Horsham had two goals disallowed.
- I emphasize the tense because Congress has the habit of letting itself off the hook when convenient.
- It could even, in a pinch, get him off the hook for the nightly walk to the monument.
- Why, she wondered, when she had effectively let him off the hook?
- You could let them off the hook, or you could reel them in.
- She couldn't live and let live.
- The Smiths, though, have little time for the live and let live view.
- He seemed to have forgotten about only letting me loose on water.
- We let the Pacer loose on two testers - one fast, one slow.
- Who was feeding him or even letting him loose on occasions?
- Just relax and let nature take its course.
- With a cold, it's better to just let nature take its course.
- I meant that, in the case of any other industry, we probably would have let nature take its course.
- I think we should let nature take its course.
- Should I just let nature take its course or stop it now?
- Stay calm and let nature take its course.
- The best is to obtain juveniles from a number of sources, rear them together and let nature take its course.
- When she started criticizing my parents, I couldn't let it pass.
- However, she can rest assured that we will not let the matter rest.
- I was going to knock for I was still intrigued by him but Benjamin called me so I let the matter rest.
- In her opinion anybody with any sense would let the matter rest there.
- Innocent maintained that Philip should have gone to Rome for absolution but for the moment he let the matter rest.
- Its opponents, however, were unlikely to let the matter rest where it stood in September 1932.
- She simply refused to let the matter rest where it.was.
- We can't just let this ride - this kid's future is at stake.
- Harriet finally let rip with 20 years of stored resentment.
- And picture the scene when a bunch of the boys let rip with the Toreador Song from Carmen.
- And, quite frankly, I just let rip.
- But Lord McNally, a Liberal Democrat, was able to let rip.
- Encouraged, and not noticing in his excitement the look of horror on his Rachel's face, Alfred let rip.
- He had carte blanche to let rip.
- In the end, the market is let rip.
- Out on the motorway he let rip.
- "So who was she with?" "Let's just say it wasn't Ted."
- And Martini rolls a big, let me see, a big nineteen.
- But you could give me this project, put me in charge of the entire operation - and let me see it through.
- I promised to give it the fifty-one hours, so that's, let me see, forty-five left.
- Now let me see if I can split the difference.
- So far, let me see, it's two-eighty.
- Why won't you let me see your schoolbooks nowadays?
- Brown was constantly letting the side down.
- Essentially, it's the ageing drivetrain that lets the side down.
- I don't want to let the side down - don't send me to the Sick Room!
- It is an unmentionable subject, a terrible way of letting the side down.
- Stay here, and don't let the baby out of your sight.
- The best plan is just to let sleeping dogs lie.
- Management has let safety standards slide at the plant.
- And on most of the occasions when they had been alone together he hadn't let a chance slip by.
- As an aside, the parties let it slip that the idea of a true playoff system had been scrapped.
- Attention creates the foreground of consciousness, letting the rest slip into peripheral awareness.
- Be careful lads not to let this one slip away!
- Colin, on the other hand, became discouraged and let things slip.
- He held it up, and let it slip between his fingers.
- The Celtics let this one slip away slowly, painfully and needlessly.
- Wrapped up with visions of kissing Deborah, I had ignored his bedtime rituals and let him slip away.
- Recess is a good chance for kids to blow off steam.
- It was recreation hour, explained Brother Andrew with a smile, and the Brothers were letting off steam.
- Jody lets her blow off steam first.
- Others have behavioural problems and need to let off steam in a safe and controlled setting.
- She just needed to blow off steam.
- So kicking the cat, biting a towel or pounding a pillow aren't really much use, except for letting off steam.
- We let off steam in graffiti, vandalism and football hooliganism.
- You got upset, blew off steam.
- You want to let off steam?
An agency is managing the let. a long-term let2without let or hindrance law happening freely without being prevented in any way- mordant
- Mordred
- more
- Morecambe and Wise
- moreish
- moreover
- mores
- More, Sir Thomas
- More Tea, Vicar?
- Morgan le Fay
- Morgan, Piers
- morgue
- Moriarty, Professor
- moribund
- MORI poll
- Mormon
- Mormonism
- Mormon Tabernacle Choir
- morn
- morning
- morning-after pill
- morning coat
- morning dress
- Morning Edition
- morning glory