# loosen up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loosen-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to become more relaxed and less formal or nervous. You use this when you want someone to stop being so serious.

For teachers: to become less tense, rigid, or formal in manner or attitude. Often used intransitively to describe a person's emotional or physical state.

## Examples

- He needs to loosen up and enjoy the party.
- After a few minutes of small talk, the interviewer started to loosen up and share some personal stories.
- The rigid corporate culture began to loosen up as the new CEO introduced flexible working hours and a more collaborative approach to decision-making.

## Pitfalls

- Not "You need to loose up." but "You need to loosen up." — Learners often confuse the adjective 'loose' with the verb 'loosen'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as an imperative to encourage someone to relax in social situations.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'relax'; 'loosen up' specifically implies a transition from a state of stiffness or formality to one of ease.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.