let loose
idiom
1
: to allow (someone or something) to move or go freely
He let the dogs loose in the courtyard.
cattle let loose to graze on the green fields
—often used figurativelya director who's willing to let her actors loose to interpret their roles however they see fit
how to stop the violence that has been let loose on the city
2
: to produce (something, such as a cry) in a sudden and forceful way
The crowd let loose an enormous groan when the pass was intercepted.
She let loose (with) a scream.
Examples of let loose in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For a long time, Moxam waited for the right moment to morph into Diana Ross’s mountain of curls (as if let loose from a set of extra-large curlers) from the G.I.T. on Broadway television special.
—
India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Nov. 2024
Taylor hopes such future solutions can help humans coexist with glacial lakes, even if the lakes occasionally let loose.
—Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Janelle James, Gigi Goode, Sir John, Jackie Aina and Symone were among the guests that turned up — and let loose until the early morning hours.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024
Beginners receive lessons, while serious riders can let loose on a network of trails.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for let loose 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Nov. 2024
Taylor hopes such future solutions can help humans coexist with glacial lakes, even if the lakes occasionally let loose.
—Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Janelle James, Gigi Goode, Sir John, Jackie Aina and Symone were among the guests that turned up — and let loose until the early morning hours.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024
Beginners receive lessons, while serious riders can let loose on a network of trails.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for let loose
Dictionary Entries Near let loose
Cite this Entry
“Let loose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20loose. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share