|
[let go] {v.}
1a. To stop holding something; loosen your hold;release.
The boy grabbed
Jack's coat and would not let go.
- Oftenused with "of".
When the child let
go of her mother's hand, shefell down.
Compare: GIVE UP(1a), LET LOOSE. 1b. To
weaken and breakunder pressure.
The old water pipe suddenly let go and water
pouredout of it.
Syn.: GIVE WAY. Contrast: HOLD ON TO. 2. To pay noattention
to; neglect.
Robert let his teeth go when he was youngand now he has to go to
the dentist often.
After she was married,Jane let herself go and was not
pretty anymore.
3. To allowsomething to pass; do nothing about.
When
Charles was tardy, theteacher scolded him and let it go at that.
The
children teasedFrank, but he smiled and let it go.
Compare: LET OFF(2), LET
RIDE. 4.To discharge from a job; fire.
Mr. Wilson got into a quarrel withhis
boss and was let go.
5. To make (something) go out quickly;shoot; fire.
The
soldiers let go a number of shots.
Robin Hoodlet go an arrow at the deer.
Paul was so angry that he let go ablow at the boy.
The truck driver saw the
flat tire and let go aloud curse.
The pitcher let go a fast ball and the
batter swungand missed.
Compare: CUT LOOSE, LET OUT. 6. or [let oneself
go]{informal} To be free in one's actions or talk; relax.
Judge Brownlet go
at the reunion of his old class and had a good time.
Thecowboys worked hard
all week, but on Saturday night they went to townand let themselves go.
Syn.:
CUT LOOSE, LET LOOSE(3), LET OFFSTEAM(2).
|