Browse all

let on

B2 informal inseparable intransitive

In simple words

To tell or hint at something you were supposed to keep secret.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

To reveal a secret or something you knew, especially when you had been trying to hide it.

"Don't let on that you've already seen the surprise — just act shocked."

Grammar: inseparable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To pretend or give the impression of something.

"He was more upset than he let on."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Usually used in negative constructions: 'don't let on', 'he didn't let on'. Often followed by a 'that' clause: 'she didn't let on that she knew'. Primarily British English.

Commonly used with

secret truth feelings knowledge plan

Forms

Base

let on

I/you/we/they

3rd person

lets on

he/she/it

Past simple

let on

yesterday

Past participle

let on

have + pp

-ing form

letting on

continuous

Understand "let on" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

reveal disclose admit hint give away let slip

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "let on" on Looplines