let in

What does "let in" mean?

1. To allow someone or something to enter
2. To allow light, air, or water to pass through
3. To share a secret with someone

Examples

• Can you let me in? I forgot my keys.
• These curtains don't let in much light.
• I'll let you in on a secret.
• Don't let strangers in when you're home alone.
• The roof is leaking and letting in water.

How to use it

'Let yourself in for something' means to unknowingly get involved in something difficult. 'Let someone in on' something means to share information or include them.

Word order

Object can go between: 'let the guests in' or after: 'let in the guests'. 'Let someone in on' a secret is a fixed pattern.

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• let down

  To disappoint someone by failing to do what they expected

• let out

  To allow someone or something to leave

• let off

  To not punish someone or to give them a lighter punishment

• let up

  To become less intense or severe

• get in

  To enter a place, building, or vehicle

• turn in

  To go to bed (informal)