let on: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “let on” mean?
To reveal or disclose a secret, information, or one's true feelings or knowledge, often when it would be wiser to keep them hidden.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To reveal or disclose a secret, information, or one's true feelings or knowledge, often when it would be wiser to keep them hidden.
To pretend or give a false impression; to act as if something is true or not true (less common). Can also mean to allow someone to join or participate in something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Used with comparable frequency and meaning in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more colloquial in both, but fully standard in informal contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “let on” in a Sentence
[Subject] let on (to [Person]) (about [Thing])[Subject] let on that [Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “let on” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She didn't let on she was upset.
- He never lets on about his private life.
- Don't let on you know, will you?
American English
- He didn't let on he was nervous.
- She finally let on about the vacation plans.
- I won't let on to anyone, I promise.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally about office gossip or undisclosed plans ('Don't let on about the merger').
Academic
Very rare. Considered too informal for academic writing.
Everyday
Common in spoken narratives and conversations about secrets and personal information.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “let on”
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
- Incorrect word order: 'He let on me the secret' (correct: 'He let on to me about the secret' or 'He let me on to the secret' if using the 'include' meaning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal. Use 'reveal', 'disclose', or 'admit' in formal writing.
Yes, but it's less common. E.g., 'She finally let on that she was pleased.' However, it often carries a nuance of revealing something that was meant to be hidden.
'Let on' implies revealing something that was a secret or not obvious. 'Tell' is more general and neutral for giving information.
No, there is no standard noun derived from this phrasal verb.
To reveal or disclose a secret, information, or one's true feelings or knowledge, often when it would be wiser to keep them hidden.
Let on: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlet ɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlet ɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't let on!”
- “He never let on a thing.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'letting' a secret 'on' to a stage, where it becomes visible to everyone.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECRETS ARE BURDENS / CONTAINERS (letting it out). KNOWLEDGE IS A POSSESSION (you can choose to give it on to someone).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'let on' used INCORRECTLY?