1 B1 idiomatic informal
To share a secret, joke, or private plan with someone who was previously unaware of it.
"Come on, let me in on the secret — everyone else seems to know."
separable
let in on
B1 informal separable transitive
To share a secret, plan, or private information with someone.
In plain English
To tell someone a secret that only a few people know.
What does "let in on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To allow someone to participate in or benefit from something exclusive or private.
"His uncle let him in on the business deal before it was announced publicly."
separable
Usage tip
Almost always used with 'secret', 'joke', or 'plan'. The person being told is the direct object: 'let me in on the secret.' Very natural in spoken English.
Words that pair with "let in on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
secret joke plan truth scheme surprise
How to conjugate "let in on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
let in on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lets in on
he/she/it
Past simple
let in on
yesterday
Past participle
let in on
have + pp
-ing form
letting in on
continuous
Hear "let in on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "let in on"
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