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

1. 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