1
general::
let sth into sth
UK
to put something into a flat surface so that it does not stick out
• A skylight had been let into the roof., let on
informal
to tell other people about something that you know, especially when it is a secret
• I suspect he knows more this than he's letting on., let sb/sth out
[ M ]
to allow someone or something to leave a place, especially by opening a closed or fastened door
• I heard a voice from the cupboard shouting "Let me out!", let sb off
[ M ]
to not punish someone who has committed a crime or done something wrong, or to not punish them severely
• Instead of a prison sentence they were let off with a fine.
• You won't be let off so lightly (= you will be punished more severely) the next time., let sth down
[ M ] AIR
2. UK If you let down something filled with air, you cause the air to go out of it
• Someone let my tyres down while I was at the gym., let out
US
When something that people go to, such as school or a show, lets out, it ends and everyone leaves
• When does school let out for the summer?, let sth off
[ M ]
to fire a gun or make something such as a bomb or fireworks explode
• Don't let off fireworks near the house., let sth out
[ M ] CLOTHES
2. to make a piece of clothing wider by removing the sewing from the sides and sewing closer to the edge of the material
• These trousers are too tight - I'm going to have to let them out., let sth out
[ M ] ESCAPE
1. to cause something to come out
• He let the air out of the balloon.
• She let out a scream (= She made this noise)., let yourself in for sth
to become involved in a difficult or unpleasant situation without intending to
• Do you realize how much extra work you're letting yourself in for?, let sth down
[ M ] CLOTHES
1. If you let down a piece of clothing, you make it longer
• My trousers shrank in the wash so I let them down., let sb/sth in
[ M ]
to allow someone or something to enter
• She opened the door and let me in.
• These shoes are starting to let water in., let sb in on sth
to tell someone about something that is secret, or to allow someone to become involved in something which only very few people are involved in
• Debbie agreed to let me in on her plans., let sb down
[ M ]
to disappoint someone by failing to do what you agreed to do or were expected to do
• You will be there tomorrow - you won't let me down, will you?
• When I was sent to prison, I really felt I had let my parents down., let up
informal IMPROVE
1. If bad weather or an unpleasant situation lets up, it stops or improves
• When the rain lets up we'll go for a walk., let up
informal STOP
2. to stop doing something that you have been doing continuously or in a determined way
• Neil spent the entire evening moaning about his job - he just wouldn't let up.
• The police insist that they are not letting up on their campaign against drugs.
Cambridge-Phrasal Verbs