1. Home
2. Idioms
3. let up

let up

---

---

let up

 

1. to diminish. I hope this rain lets up a little soon. When the snow lets up so I can see, I will drive to the store.

2. to stop [doing something] altogether. The rain let up about noon, and the sun came out.

See also: let, up

let up (on someone or something)

Fig. to reduce the pressure or demands on someone or something. You had better let up on Tom. He can't handle any more work. Please let up on the committee. It can only do so much. Do let up. You are getting too upset.

See also: let, up

let up

to stop The action and special effects never let up long enough for you to realize how stupid the movie actually is.

Usage notes: often used in the form not let up: The heat didn't let up until the weekend.

See also: let, up

let up

1. See let down, def. 2.

2. Cease, stop entirely, as in The rain has let up so we can go out. [Late 1700s]

3. let up on. Be or become more lenient with, take the pressure off, as in Why don't you let up on the child? [Late 1800s]

See also: let, up

let up

v.

1. To allow something or someone to go or get up: Stop wrestling me and let me up!

2. let up on To release or diminish the pressure on someone or something; ease up on something: Let up on the clutch slowly or you'll stall out the engine. Let up on the new workers; they're doing the best they can.

3. To slow down; diminish: The weather got cold, but the protesters didn't let up in their efforts.

4. To come to a stop; cease: The rain let up, so we went outside and played.

See also: let, up