disappoint someone
I promised to help my friend move, but I let her down by not showing up.
let down — 3 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb3 meanings
let downsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
lower something
He let the rope down slowly so the climber could reach the ground safely.
reduce effectiveness
The film was visually stunning, but the weak script really let it down.
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Meanings in detail
1. disappoint someone
B1neutralspoken
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.
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B2neutralboth
To move something to a lower position, usually slowly and carefully.
He let the rope down slowly so the climber could reach the ground safely.
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Sign in to unlock3. reduce effectiveness
C1neutralboth
To make something less effective, impressive, or successful than it could be, often by being a weak or disappointing aspect of it.
The film was visually stunning, but the weak script really let it down.
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