Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To make (a garment) larger or looser, typically by adjusting or releasing a seam.
   • To allow or cause to leave or escape; to release from confinement or restraint.
   • To reveal or disclose (information); to make known something that was secret or private.
   • To emit or utter (a sound); to express audibly.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (transitive):
  • The tailor can let out the waist of these trousers. (To make larger)
  • Please let the dog out into the garden. (To allow to leave)
  • He accidentally let out a secret about the surprise party. (To disclose)
  • She let out a scream when she saw the spider. (To utter a sound)

Advanced Usage

• "to let out a lease": to grant or rent property under the terms of a lease.

  • The landlord decided to let out the apartment for a year.

• "to let out that...": used to introduce a clause indicating disclosed information.

  • He let out that he was planning to resign.

Variants and Related Words

• Letout (noun, rare): an instance of letting out, such as a release or a discharge.
• Outlet (noun): a means of release or escape for a substance, emotion, or product. (Note: This is a related compound word, not a direct variant of the phrasal verb).

Synonyms

• Release: to set free from confinement.
• Disclose: to make known; reveal.
• Emit: to produce and discharge (something, especially gas, radiation, or sound).
• Utter: to make a sound with one's voice.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Let in: to allow to enter.

  • Open the window to let in some fresh air.

• Let down: to fail to support or help someone; to lower.

  • He promised to help but let me down at the last minute.

• Let on: to reveal information, often casually or inadvertently.

  • Don't let on that you know about the plan.

Related Idioms

• Let the cat out of the bag: to reveal a secret, usually unintentionally.

  • I wanted the gift to be a surprise, but my brother let the cat out of the bag.

• Let off steam: to release pent-up energy or strong emotion, often through vigorous activity or loud expression.

  • After the stressful meeting, he went for a run to let off steam.

Verb

1. make (clothes) larger
   • Let out that dress--I gained a lot of weight
2. bring out of a specific state
3. 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
4. express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)
   • She let out a big heavy sigh
   • He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand