let up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Become less intense or stop
Why “up”? An action, effort, relationship, or process stops, becomes weaker, or does not continue.
“The rain finally let up.”
“The wind let up after sunset.”
Don't confuse with
Let up means become weaker or stop. Let out means allow someone or something to leave.
Test yourself
“The rain finally let up.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
let out
A contrast learners often mix up
Allow someone or something to leave
break up
Same up pattern: stopping
Break into pieces; End a relationship or gathering
close up
Same up pattern: stopping
Shut a shop or building, often at the end of the day; Move closer together so there is no gap; (of a wound or opening) heal or seal itself; Become silent or unwilling to share feelings
give up
Same up pattern: stopping
Stop trying; surrender; Stop doing or using something
hang up
Same up pattern: stopping
End a phone call
hold up
Same up pattern: stopping
Raise and keep raised; Delay a person or process
lay up
Same up pattern: stopping
Force someone to stay in bed because of illness or injury
loosen up
Same up pattern: stopping
Become less tense or formal, especially before an activity
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