let the fox guard the henhouse —(also: set the fox to keep the geese) trust a person with smth. that he is especially likely to misappropriate or abuse: Back in 1951, members of the State Department wrote the text of the treaty. Now different people in the State Department are trying to define what was […]
Difference between Let the cat out of the bag and Let the genie out of the bottle
let the cat out of the bag—(accidentally) reveal a secret: A few days later, when I wasn’t around, she let the cat out of the bag. Apparently, she didn’t realize she had ruined a surprise. let the genie out of the bottle—let smth. bad happen that cannot be put right or controlled: The ambassador warned […]
Difference between Let something slide and Let something slip
let something slide— 1. let smth. take its own course: If California was going to cost the Union so much, it would be better to let California slide. 2. neglect or ignore smth. such as one’s work, etc.: She let her lessons slide, preferring the company of her classmates in the residence. 3. (of an […]
Difference between Let someone stew and Let someone stew in one’s own juice
let someone stew—(also: leave someone stew) keep a person in a state of uneasy anticipation or suspense: For one delicious week I let him stew while he begged and pleaded for his career, his marriage, his reputation. let someone stew in one’s own juice —(also: leave someone stew in one’s own juice) leave a person […]
Difference between Let someone off and Let someone off the hook
let someone off—excuse a person; not punish severely enough: “Are you going to let him off?” demanded Denny suspiciously. “You never can be stiff in the back, Charley.” let someone off the hook —(also: get someone off the hook) free a person from difficulty, an embarrassing situation, etc.: The officer was pretty surprised at my […]
Difference between Let someone in for something and Let someone in on something
let someone in for something—involve a person in smth. unpleasant; cause smb. to have trouble: The boy’s careless treatment of the car has let me in for a large repair bill. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase put someone in for something—enter a person for an examination, contest, etc.: How […]
Difference between Let someone down and Let someone down easy
let someone down—disappoint a person; fail to support or aid smb.: I leave it to you, Stephen. I know you’ll not let me down. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase let up on someone—treat a person less harshly or severely: By the time Jon turned eight, our financial problems became […]
Difference between Let one’s hair down and Put one’s hair up
let one’s hair down—(also: let one’s back hair down) throw off restraint in one’s behavior: Those who are doomed to a life of formality look forward to the week-end when they can let their hair down. put one’s hair up—assume adult responsibilities: Lively young thing, I recall—but she’ll have put her hair up by now. […]
Difference between Let off steam and Put on steam
let off steam—(also: blow off steam) give vent to one’s repressed emotions (by talking in an unrestrained manner, etc.): This special session will give politicians a chance to let off steam. put on steam—(also: get up steam) build up strength or energy; become more active: Get on a little faster; put a little more steam […]
Difference between Let it all hang out and Let it go hang
let it all hang out—(coll.) let the truth be known; not disguise anything: No names, of course, will be used; he doesn’t expect everyone will be as willing as he is to let it all hang out. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase hang it all—(exclam.) used to express one’s anger, […]
Difference between Let go of something and Let go with something
let go of something—stop holding smth.; release smth.: As soon as I let go of the leash, the dog ran away. let go with something—give vent to laughter, angry words, etc.: The lawyer let go with a vicious attack on the tactics of his opponent. Note: Neither expression correlates in meaning with the phrase let […]
Difference between Let go of someone and Let someone go
let go of someone—stop holding a person: He shouted at the cops, “Let go of me! You have to let go of me!” let someone go— 1. allow smb. to leave: Taking the man prisoner might jeopardize the mission, so he decides to let the prisoner go. 2. discharge a person from employment: Since we […]