let down
disappoint someone
To fail to do what someone expects, making them feel disappointed or upset.
I promised to help my friend move, but I let her down by not showing up.
"let" — same verb, different meanings
Phrasal verbs built on "let" — same verb, but the particle changes the meaning. Pick the one that fits.
let
down
let downTo fail to do what someone expects, making them feel disappointed or upset.I promised to help my friend move, but I let her down by not showing up.
in
let into allow someone or something to enter a place, such as a room, building, or area.Could you let me in? I forgot my keys.
off
let offto allow someone to avoid punishment or a difficult task, even though they might deserve itThe teacher let me off with just a warning because it was my first time being late.
on
let onto allow other people to know something that is secret or private, often by accident or by not hiding it well; to admit or reveal information that you were supposed to keep hidden.She didn't let on that she already knew about the surprise party.
out
let outTo allow someone to leave a room, building, or other place by opening a door or gate.Can you let the dog out before you leave for work?
let in
allow entry
to allow someone or something to enter a place, such as a room, building, or area.
Could you let me in? I forgot my keys.
let off
not punish
to allow someone to avoid punishment or a difficult task, even though they might deserve it
The teacher let me off with just a warning because it was my first time being late.
let on
reveal a secret (often used in the negative: not let on)
to allow other people to know something that is secret or private, often by accident or by not hiding it well; to admit or reveal information that you were supposed to keep hidden.
She didn't let on that she already knew about the surprise party.
let out
allow someone to leave a place
To allow someone to leave a room, building, or other place by opening a door or gate.
Can you let the dog out before you leave for work?