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Phrase(s): let out
[for an event that includes many people] to end. (The people are then permitted to come out.) • What time does the movie let out? I have to meet someone in the lobby. • The meeting let out at about seven o’clock. • School lets out in June., Phrase(s): let someone or an animal (get) out (of something)
1. to permit someone or an animal to exit or escape from something or some place. • Please let the president get out of the car. • Don’t let the snake get out! 2. to permit someone or an animal to evade something. • I will not let you get out of your responsibilities. • They wouldn’t let me out of the contract., Phrase(s): let something out
1. Fig. to reveal something; to tell about a secret or a plan. (See also leak something out.) • It was supposed to be a secret. Who let it out? • Who let out the secret? 2. Fig. to enlarge an article of clothing. • She had to let her overcoat out because she had gained some weight. • I see you have had to let out your trousers., Phrase(s): let something out (to someone)
to rent something to someone. • I let the back room out to a college boy. • I let out the back room to someone., Phrase(s): let something (get) out
Go to leak something (out)., Phrase(s): let out (with) something
1. to state or utter something loudly. • The man let out with a screaming accusation about the person whom he thought had wounded him. • She let out a torrent of curses. 2. to give forth a scream or yell. • She let out with a bloodcurdling scream when she saw the snake in her chair. • They let out with shouts of delight when they saw the cake., Phrase(s): let out some kind of sound
[for a living creature] to make some kind of a noise or sound. • Be quiet. Don’t let out a sound! • Suddenly, Jane let out a shriek.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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1. Allow to GET OUT; Also see GET OUT OF. 2. Make known, reveal, as in I thought it was a secret? who let it out? [First half of 1800s] Also see LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG. 3. Come to a close, end, as in What time does school let out? [Late 1800s] 4. Increase the size of a garment, as in May's coat needs to be let out across the shoulders. This usage refers to opening some of the seams. [Late 1700s]
American Heritage Idioms