What does verb ‘let’ mean?

The word ‘let‘ can mean many different things. As a verb, the meaning is to allow.

For example:

Let is an irregular verb. The past tense is let and the past participle is let.

phrasal verbs with let

Phrasal verbs with ‘let’ include:

let down
meaning – disappoint someone or make clothes longer
example – Mum, my trousers need letting down. All the other kids are laughing at me.
let in
meaning – allow someone to enter
example – I was too drunk, so the bouncers didn’t let me in.
let in on
meaning – tell someone the secret
example – I’ll let Tina in on the surprise party idea. She is good at organising things.
let off
meaning – not punish
example – Parker didn’t play well today. The fans let him off as his ankle is still sore.
let on
meaning – allow something to be known
example – I didn’t let on to Millie about the pregnancy.
let out
meaning – allow someone/something to leave or make a sound
example – The audience let out a huge gasp as the stuntman attempted to swallow a sword.
let up
meaning – stop or become less intense
example – I wish Anton would let up talking about his new girlfriend, it’s getting boring now.