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let up

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

When something hard or strong slows down or stops for a while.

Literal meaning: To allow something to go upward — as if releasing a downward force.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

(Of weather or something unpleasant) to become less strong, severe, or continuous.

"The storm didn't let up all night, so we stayed inside."

"The rain let up just long enough for us to run to the car."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To reduce the pressure, effort, or intensity of one's actions; to ease off.

"The coach never lets up during training — he pushes us to our limits every session."

"I don't intend to let up on this issue."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To stop doing something, especially something relentless or annoying.

"She kept asking questions and wouldn't let up until she got an answer."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Most commonly used with weather (rain, snow, wind) or figuratively with pressure, criticism, or work. Can also be used transitively in American English to mean 'to release someone from a task' (e.g., 'let me up'), but this sense is less common.

Commonly used with

rain wind pressure criticism pace cold

Forms

Base
let up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lets up
he/she/it
Past simple
let up
yesterday
Past participle
let up
have + pp
-ing form
letting up
continuous

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