Phrasal verb
let in
Meanings
to allow someone to enter a building or room by opening a door or barrier
to allow something such as light, air, noise, or water to enter through an opening
to tell someone a secret or include them in private information
Definition
To let in means to allow someone or something to enter a place.
To let in means to open a door, gate, or other barrier so that a person, animal, air, or light can enter. It is commonly used when someone is outside and needs access. It can also describe something entering through an opening, often unintentionally, like cold air or noise.
Examples
- I forgot my keys, so my roommate let in me through the back door.
- Could you let in the delivery driver when he arrives?
- She heard a knock and let in her neighbor to wait out the rain.
- They left the window cracked and let in cold air all night.
- He finally let in his sister on the surprise party plan.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes place the object incorrectly (e.g., saying "let in me" instead of "let me in").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.