let (someone or something) loose

To make free or give up control of something or someone; to release or discharge something or someone, as from confinement. Due to a lack of evidence, the suspects were let loose by police. Samantha was suspended for letting mice loose throughout the school.

See also: let, loose

let (someone) loose (on something)

To allow someone to do something as they please, without supervision or control. It's so nice to go to the park and let the kids loose for a while. I hope the board of directors aren't let loose on our project. We can't afford to have them changing things last minute!

See also: let, loose

let (something) loose

1. To do something in a sudden, fierce, and/or uncontrolled manner; to unleash something, especially that which is violent or destructive. The trapped wolf let loose a bone-chilling howl. The home team began to let loose an unwavering offensive barrage against their cross-town rivals. The owner of the ranch let his hounds loose upon the trespassers.

2. To allow something to spread, grow, or develop in a wild or uncontrolled manner, especially that which is destructive or ruinous. With news of the military junta's governmental overthrow, a wild, riotous pandemonium was let loose across the already unstable country.

See also: let, loose

let loose

(with something) Go to let go (with something).

See also: let, loose

let ˈloose

(British English) (American English cut ˈloose) (informal) do something or happen in a way that is not controlled: Teenagers need a place to let loose.

See also: let, loose

let somebody/something ˈloose

1 free somebody/something from whatever holds them/it in place: She let her hair loose and it fell around her shoulders. ♢ Who let the dogs loose?
2 give somebody complete freedom to do what they want in a place or situation: He was at last let loose in the kitchen. ♢ A team of professionals were let loose on the project.

See also: let, loose, somebody, something

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