The word ‘let‘ can mean many different things. As a verb, the meaning is to allow.
For example:
- My mum lets me stay up until 11 at the weekend. (allow)
Let is an irregular verb. The past tense is let and the past participle is let.
idioms list with ‘let’
don’t let the bed bugs bite
meaning – wishing someone a good night’s sleep
example – It’s past your bed time, go upstairs now. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.
don’t let the grass grow under one’s feet
meaning – hurry, act now, don’t wait
example – Brian is a useless employee. We’ve lost so much business by him letting the grass grow.
let nature take its course
meaning – allow events to develop naturally, don’t interfere
example – I’ve bandaged the baby owl’s leg, now I have to let nature take its course.
let one’s hair down
meaning – relax and have fun
example – The kids are with grandad so I will let my hair down this weekend.
let someone stew
meaning – allow someone to worry/be fearful about something they have done
example – My girlfriend hasn’t messaged me all day. She’s letting me stew as I forgot her birthday.
let the cat out of the bag
meaning – reveal the secret
example – We’re throwing a surprise party for my parents, don’t let the cat out of the bag.
let the side down
meaning – disappoint your friends/family/colleagues
example – I want you all playing your best. If you let the side down, you’re out of the team.
Psst…
Hey, did you know the verb ‘let’ has many phrasal verbs. Since you like idioms and phrases, you obviously want to improve your fluency and speak like a native.
Am I right?
I thought you might like to learn the phrasal verbs with ‘let’ too. They are very common in informal English and great to know/be able to understand if you happen to be speaking to a native. We use them all the time, like literally ALL the time.