To Let Up – Understanding the Meaning and Usage of This Common Phrase
To Let Up – Understanding the Meaning and Usage of This Common Phrase
Blog Article
What Does "To Let Up" Mean?
The phrasal verb “to let up” means to become less intense or to reduce in strength or severity. It is often used when describing bad weather, hard work, pain, or pressure. In everyday language, it implies a relief, pause, or slowdown from something persistent or difficult.
Origins of the Phrase
The phrase comes from older English, where “let” meant to permit or allow, and “up” refers to rising or easing. So, “let up” essentially conveys the idea of allowing something to ease or decrease.
Examples in Sentences
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Weather Context:
“The rain didn’t let up for hours, so the match had to be canceled.” -
Workload Context:
“They’ve been working non-stop all week. The pressure just won’t let up.” -
Pain or Discomfort:
“Her headache finally let up after she took some medicine.” -
Emotional Tension:
“He was nervous before the speech, but the tension let up once he started talking.”
Why It’s Useful
“To let up” is a very practical phrase that can be used in many real-life situations to describe moments of relief, improvement, or a break in hardship. It’s often used in conversations, news reports, and even in emotional storytelling.
How to Use It Naturally
Talking about weather:
“We’ll go out once the snow lets up.”
Describing stress or workload:
“My manager hasn’t let up on me all week.”
In emotional context:
“She finally let up on herself and took a day off.”
Conclusion
“To let up” is a simple yet powerful phrase that helps express the easing of pressure or difficulty in any area of life. Whether you’re referring to bad weather, a tough job, or overwhelming emotions—this idiom fits perfectly.
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