LET OUT

{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. Contrast: 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./