1 B2 idiomatic informal
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."
inseparable
let on
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To reveal or admit something that you have been keeping secret, often unintentionally.
In plain English
To tell or hint at something you were supposed to keep secret.
What does "let on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To pretend or give the impression of something.
"He was more upset than he let on."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "let on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
secret truth feelings knowledge plan
How to conjugate "let on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "let on" in the wild
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