ENGLISH
REFERENCE

let someone go

idiom
Meaning

To dismiss someone from an employment position or a relationship.


Examples
SIMPLE

The company had to let him go last week.

CONTEXTUAL

After the business lost its biggest client, the manager had to let several employees go to save money.

COMPLEX

Following months of declining revenue and difficult restructuring, the board decided to let the long-serving director go, marking the end of an era for the firm.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all dressed up and nowhere to go

    Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

  2. 02

    all systems go

    Everything is ready.

  3. 03

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  4. 04

    as you go

    While one is doing (something); as one progresses.

  5. 05

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  6. 06

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  7. 07

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  8. 08

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

Last updated April 17, 2026