v. 1a. To allow to go out or escape. The guard let the prisoners out of jail to work in the garden. Mother won't let us out when it rains.
Compare: LET LOOSE. 1b. informal To make (a sound) come out of the mouth; utter. A bee stung Charles. He let out a yell and ran home. Father told Betty to sit still and not let out a peep during church. 2. To allow to be known; tell. I'll never tell you another secret if you let this one out.
Compare: LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG. 3. To make larger (as clothing) or looser; allow to slip out (as a rope). Mary's mother had to let out her dress because Mary is growing so tall. Father hooked a big fish on his line. He had to let the line out so the fish wouldn't break it.
Compare: PIECE OUT.
Antonym: TAKE IN. 4. informal To allow to move at higher speed. The rider let out his horse to try to beat the horse ahead of him. 5. informal To free from blame, responsibility, or duty. Often used with "of". Last time I let you out of it when you were late. I'll have to punish you this time. Frank has shoveled the snow from the sidewalk. That lets me out.
Compare: LET GO, LET OFF. 6, informal To discharge from a job; fire. The shop closed down and all the men were let out. 7. informal To dismiss or be dismissed. The coach let us out from practice at 3 o'clock. I'll meet you after school lets out.