let on
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To reveal or disclose information, especially information that is secret or private: To make known something that was previously hidden, confidential, or known only to a few people.
Usage
The verb "let on" is used to describe the act of telling others about a secret or a piece of private information. It is often used in informal contexts. It is typically followed by a clause (e.g., that something is true) or used with a question word (e.g., how, what, who).
Examples
- She knew about the surprise party but promised not to let on.
- He didn't let on that he was feeling ill.
- Don't let on to anyone that you saw me here.
- She never let on how difficult the project really was.
Advanced Usage
- "to not let on": This is a very common usage, meaning to successfully keep a secret or hide one's true feelings or knowledge.
- He was very nervous, but he didn't let on.
- It can be used with an indirect object to specify who the information is revealed to.
- He didn't let on to his boss that he was planning to leave.
Variants and Related Words
- Let something slip: This is a closely related phrasal verb meaning to accidentally reveal a secret.
- He let it slip that they were getting married.
Synonyms
- Disclose: To make information known.
- Reveal: To make previously unknown information known.
- Divulge: To give information that is private or secret.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Let out: To reveal information, often accidentally. (e.g., )
- Give away: To reveal a secret, often unintentionally. (e.g., )
Related Idioms
- Spill the beans: (Idiom) To tell a secret.
- Who spilled the beans about the party?
Verb
- make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret
- The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
- The actress won't reveal how old she is
- bring out the truth
- he broke the news to her
- unwrap the evidence in the murder case