Phrasal verb
let out
Meanings
to allow someone or something to leave; to release from a place that is closed or confining
to make a piece of clothing wider or larger by adjusting seams
to produce a sound or breath, especially suddenly (such as a sigh, laugh, or cry)
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Definition
To let out means to allow something or someone to leave a place or be released.
Let out is a common phrasal verb with a few everyday meanings. It often means to release someone or something from a closed space, or to allow people to leave at the end of an event. It can also mean to make clothing larger so it fits more comfortably, or to make a sound like a sigh or scream.
Examples
- I let out the cat before I left for work.
- The teacher let out the class early because the buses arrived.
- She let out her dress a little after it started feeling tight.
- They let out a loud cheer when the band came on stage.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse let out (release or make bigger) with take out (remove or go somewhere with someone).
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.