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Phrase(s): let go (with something) [and] cut loose (with something); let loose (with something)
1. to shout something out or expel something; to shout or express something wildly. • The whole team let go with a loud shout. • The audience cut loose with a loud cheer. 2. to deliver a strong verbal reprimand. • Molly let loose with a tremendous scolding at Dave. • Dave cut loose with a vengeful retort., Phrase(s): let oneself go
1. Fig. to become less constrained; to get excited and have a good time. • I love to dance and just let myself go. • Let yourself go, John. Learn to enjoy life. 2. Fig. to let one’s appearance and health suffer. • When I was depressed, I let myself go and was really a mess. • He let himself go and gained 30 pounds., Phrase(s): let someone go
Euph. to fire someone. • They let Jane go from her job. • I’m afraid we’re going to have to let you go.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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1. Allow to escape, set free, as in The police decided to let him go. [c. 1300] 2. Also, let go of. Release one's hold on, as in Please let go of my sleeve, or Once he starts on this subject, he never lets go. [Early 1400s] 3. let it go. Allow it to stand or be accepted. For example, Let it go; we needn't discuss it further. This usage is sometimes amplified to let it go at that, meaning "allow matters to stand as they are." [Late 1800s] 4. Cease to employ, dismiss, as in They had to let 20 workers go. 5. Also, let oneself go. Behave without restraint, abandon one's inhibitions; also, neglect one's personal hygiene and appearance. For example, When the music began, Jean let herself go and started a wild dance, or After her husband's death she let herself go, forgetting to bathe and staying in her nightgown all day. The first sense dates from the late 1800s, the second from the early 1900s.
American Heritage Idioms