let go

{v.} 1a. To stop holding something; loosen your hold; release. * /The boy grabbed Jack's coat and would not let go./ - Often used with "of". * /When the child let go of her mother's hand, she fell down./ Compare: GIVE UP(1a), LET LOOSE. 1b. To weaken and break under pressure. * /The old water pipe suddenly let go and water poured out of it./ Syn.: GIVE WAY. Contrast: HOLD ON TO. 2. To pay no attention to; neglect. * /Robert let his teeth go when he was young and now he has to go to the dentist often./ * /After she was married, Jane let herself go and was not pretty anymore. / 3. To allow something to pass; do nothing about. * /When Charles was tardy, the teacher scolded him and let it go at that./ * /The children teased Frank, but he smiled and let it go./ Compare: LET OFF(2), LET RIDE. 4. To discharge from a job; fire. * /Mr. Wilson got into a quarrel with his boss and was let go./ 5. To make (something) go out quickly; shoot; fire. * /The soldiers let go a number of shots./ * /Robin Hood let go an arrow at the deer./ * /Paul was so angry that he let go a blow at the boy./ * /The truck driver saw the flat tire and let go a loud curse./ * /The pitcher let go a fast ball and the batter swung and missed./ Compare: CUT LOOSE, LET OUT. 6. or[let oneself go] {informal} To be free in one's actions or talk; relax. * /Judge Brown let go at the reunion of his old class and had a good time./ * /The cowboys worked hard all week, but on Saturday night they went to town and let themselves go./ Syn.: CUT LOOSE, LET LOOSE(3), LET OFF STEAM(2).