Phrasal Verbs with “Let”

Here’s the ultimate list of phrasal verbs with “let.”

“Let down” Meaning and Examples

Meaning 1

To disappoint someone, to not do something that is expected of you.

Example

You let me down yesterday. I thought you were going to help me.

You disappointed me yesterday. I thought you were going to help me. 

I spent so much time helping you prepare for the exam. I hope you don’t let me down with a bad grade!

I spent so much time helping you prepare for the exam. I hope you don’t disappoint me with a bad grade!

Meaning 2

To put something down, to move something down.

Example

Let your suitcase down and help me with mine. It’s too heavy!

Put your suitcase down and help me with mine. It’s too heavy!

“Let in” Meaning and Examples

Let in – Meaning 1

To allow entrance, to allow someone to enter a place.

Example

Let in the dog when it finishes playing outside, please.

Allow the dog to enter when it finishes playing outside, please.

Let in – Meaning 2

To talk to someone about your feelings, to be open to talking to somebody about your feelings.

Example

I know you are going through a lot, but if you let me in I might be able to help you.

I know you are going through a lot, but if you talk to me about it I might be able to help you.

Let in – Meaning 3

Used as let in on, it refers to telling someone a secret or sharing information.

Example

I am not supposed to be saying this, but I will let you in on something interesting. Josh and Mary are getting a divorce!

I am not supposed to be saying this, but I will tell you a secret about something interesting. Josh and Mary are getting a divorce!

“Let off” Meaning and Examples

Let off – Meaning 1

To excuse someone from something such as work or a task.

Example

She asked Mr. Morrison to let her off work earlier so that she could attend her son’s graduation.

She asked Mr. Morrison to excuse her from work earlier so that she could attend her son’s graduation. 

Let off – Meaning 2

To not punish someone.

Example

After clarifying the incident, the innocent man was let off. He returned home.

After clarifying the incident, the innocent mas was not punished. He returned home. 

Let off – Meaning 3

To fire or explode something.

Example

In my country, it is a tradition to let off fireworks on New Year’s Day.

In my country, it is a tradition to fire fireworks on New Year’s Day.

“Let on” Meaning and Examples

To admit, reveal, or tell somebody something that is supposed to be a secret.

Example

We are planning a surprise party for Helen. We need you to distract her, but don’t let her on anything!

We are planning a surprise party for Helen. We need you to distract her, but don’t tell her anything!

“Let out” Meaning and Examples

Let out – Meaning 1

To allow something or someone to go out or leave a place.

Example

While I am away, please remember to let the dog out at least twice a day.

While I am away, please remember to allow the dog to go out at least twice a day.

Let out – Meaning 2

To produce a sound.

Example

She let out a sigh of relief when she found her phone in her bag.

She produced a sigh of relief when she found her phone in her bag.

Let out – Meaning 3

To offer a place for rent. 

Example

We can buy a big house. If we have problems, we can let out the guest’s room.

We can buy a big house. If we have problems, we can offer the guest’s room for rent.

“Let up” Meaning and Examples

To become less intense, to decrease.

Example

I have a lot of things to do at work, and it seems like it won’t let up soon!I have a lot of things to do at work, and it seems like it won’t become less intense soon!