lɛt wʌnz hɛr daʊn
Body Parts
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- To release one's hair from an updo
What does "let one's hair down" mean?
- To relax and behave informally
- To enjoy oneself without worrying about appearances
Examples
- The office party is a chance to let your hair down.
- She rarely lets her hair down at work.
- After the project ended, we all let our hair down and celebrated.
Origin
From times when women wore their hair up in formal settings. Letting it down signaled relaxation and informality at home.
How to use it
Common for describing relaxation after formal or stressful situations. Used for all genders.
Similar expressions
relax
unwind
be informal
loosen up
Opposites
be formal
stay uptight
maintain composure
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "let one's hair down" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.