let out

To allow someone or something to leave a place where they have been kept.

• Please let the dog out.
• The teacher let us out early.
• Who let the air out of my tyres?

How to use it: let someone/something out of somewhere (She let the cat out of the kitchen.)

Similar words: release, free

Opposites: keep in

Common phrases: let someone out, let out air

To make a sound, often suddenly or because of a strong feeling.

• He let out a sigh.
• The child let out a scream when the balloon burst.
• Did you hear her let out that strange laugh?

How to use it: let out something (She let out a loud gasp.)

Similar words: give, utter

Common phrases: let out a scream, let out a sigh, let out a laugh

To allow someone to use your property in return for regular payments.

• They let out two rooms.
• She let her house out while she worked abroad.
• Could we let out the upstairs flat?

How to use it: let something out to someone (We let the flat out to a student.)

Similar words: rent out, let, lease

Common phrases: let out rooms, let something out

To tell people something that was meant to stay secret.

• She let out our secret.
• He accidentally let out where we were meeting.
• Who let the details out before the announcement?

How to use it: let something out (Please do not let our secret out.)

Similar words: reveal, disclose, divulge

Opposites: conceal

Common phrases: let out a secret, let out the truth

To make clothing larger by moving the lines where pieces of cloth are sewn together.

• Can you let this skirt out?
• The tailor let out my trousers.
• I had my wedding dress let out a little.

How to use it: let something out (The tailor let the jacket out at the waist.); have something let out (I need to have these trousers let out.)

Similar words: enlarge, loosen

Opposites: take in

Common phrases: let out trousers, let something out

To adjust controls so a vehicle or animal can move faster.

• He let the horse out.
• She let out the reins and the horse galloped.
• On the straight road, he let the engine out.

How to use it: let something out (He let the horse out on the empty track.)

Similar words: speed up

Opposites: slow down

Common phrases: let out reins, let something out