Introduction
The expression “to let up” is a versatile English idiom that refers to something becoming less intense, slowing down, or easing off. It's used to describe both physical and emotional experiences—like weather conditions, pressure, or ongoing stress. If you're searching for the meaning of “to let up”, you're likely interested in understanding how and when to use it in speech or writing.
Meaning of “To Let Up”
To let up can mean:
To decrease in intensity or severity
To reduce pressure, force, or effort
To become less harsh, difficult, or burdensome
It’s most commonly used in contexts like weather, workload, or stress. It’s often associated with relief or temporary improvement in a difficult situation.
Examples in Sentences
Here are some real-world examples that clarify the meaning:
✅ Weather Context
“The rain finally let up after three hours.”
“We’ll go outside once the storm lets up.”
✅ Work or Pressure
“My boss hasn’t let up on deadlines since the quarter began.”
“Don’t let up now—we’re almost done with the project.”
✅ Emotion or Stress
“The anxiety didn’t let up until the results were published.”
“She kept crying, and her sadness didn’t let up for days.”
Grammar Notes
“Let up” is a phrasal verb, usually used intransitively (it doesn’t require a direct object).
It can appear in various tenses:
Present: “It lets up.”
Past: “It let up.”
Future: “It will let up.”
Synonyms of 'To Let Up'
Ease off
Subside
Diminish
Lighten
Weaken
Abate (formal)
Common Collocations
“The pain didn’t let up.”
“They let up on their criticism.”
“The fog is letting up now.”
These help make your English more idiomatic and natural.
Opposite Expressions
Intensify
Get worse
Increase
Heat up (in emotional/competitive contexts)
Conclusion
The phrase “to let up” is a useful and expressive idiom that can describe the easing of anything from physical storms to emotional or mental burdens. Understanding its meaning and usage not only sharpens your English but also adds fluency to your communication. Whether you’re writing an essay or having a casual chat, this phrasal verb can help you describe subtle shifts in intensity with clarity and precision.