Understanding the Phrase "To Let Out" – Meaning and Usage
Understanding the Phrase "To Let Out" – Meaning and Usage
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Understanding the Phrase "To Let Out" – Meaning and Usage
What Does "To Let Out" Mean?
The phrase "to let out" is a phrasal verb in English that has multiple meanings depending on context. It can refer to:
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Releasing something or someone
-
Making something wider or looser
-
Ending a class or event
-
Renting out a property (less common usage)
Let’s explore each meaning below.
1. To Release Something or Someone
This is the most common use of "let out."
✅ Examples:
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She let out a scream when she saw the spider.
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The teacher let the students out early today.
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He was let out of prison after five years.
2. To Make Clothing Looser or Bigger
Used when tailoring clothes to increase their size.
✅ Example:
-
I’ve gained some weight, so I had to let out my pants.
3. To End a Class, Movie, or Meeting
Used informally to say something has finished.
✅ Example:
-
What time does school let out?
4. To Let Out a Property (British English)
This usage means to rent out a house, room, or building to someone.
✅ Example:
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The landlord let out the flat to a young couple.
⚠️ Note: In American English, people more commonly say “rent out” instead of “let out.”
Difference Between “Let Out” and “To Let”
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To Let = a property is available for rent (used on signboards, ads).
➤ Example: “Flat to let in Dhanmondi.” -
Let Out = someone rents out a property or allows something/someone to go.
➤ Example: “They let out their apartment last month.”
Conclusion
"To let out" is a versatile phrase with several meanings:
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To release
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To widen
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To end an event
-
To rent out
Its meaning always depends on the context. Understanding how it’s used can help you communicate more clearly in both casual and formal situations.
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