let go

To stop holding someone or something.

• Let go of my hand.
• He let the balloon go, and it floated away.
• Do not let go until I reach the ladder.

How to use it: let go of someone/something (Let go of my arm.); let someone/something go (She let the rope go.)

Similar words: release, loosen your grip

Opposites: hold on

Common phrases: let go of something, let someone go

To stop holding on to painful feelings or thinking so much about a difficult situation.

• It is time to let go.
• He finally let go of his resentment.
• Can you let go of the past and enjoy today?

How to use it: let go of something (She learned to let go of her anger.)

Similar words: move on, stop dwelling

Common phrases: let go of anger, let go emotionally

To choose not to react to something unpleasant that someone says or does.

• It was a small mistake, so let it go.
• She let his rude remark go this time.
• Can you let that comment go?

How to use it: let something go (His comment annoyed me, but I let it go.)

Similar words: ignore, overlook

Common phrases: let something go, let it go

To allow someone to leave or go somewhere.

• Please let me go home.
• Dad let us go to the beach.
• Will the teacher let you go early?

How to use it: let someone go to something (My parents let me go to the concert.)

Similar words: allow to leave

Opposites: keep

Common phrases: let someone go, let me go