let-out

[ adjective let-out; noun let-out ]

adjective

1. (of fur) processed by cutting parallel diagonal slashes into the pelt and sewing the slashed edges together to lengthen the pelt and to improve the appearance of the fur.

noun

1. Chiefly British. a means of escape; loophole.

let out

verb

1. to give vent to; emit

   to let out a howl

2. to allow to go or run free; release
3. may take a clause as object to reveal (a secret)
4. to make available to tenants, hirers, or contractors
5. to permit to flow out

   to let air out of the tyres

6. to make (a garment) larger, as by unpicking (the seams) and sewing nearer the outer edge

noun

1. a chance to escape

Word History and Origins

Origin of let-out¹

First recorded in 1830–40; adj., noun use of verb phrase let out

Example Sentences

He does have the let-out proviso – “to the best of my ability” – which leaves plenty of room to accommodate his skew-shift views about what he thinks needs preserving, protecting and defending.

From The Guardian

The UK government's consent to the referendum was needed and given, but Cameron sensed that a let-out soft option which allowed the Nats to come back for more would be a concession too far.

From The Guardian

“If you’re a 2011 or a 2012 grad, the competition just got fierce — even more fierce — with the let-out of the 2013 class,” said Alexa Hamill, the United States campus recruiting leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

From New York Times

Admittedly Cameron did have a let-out: a letter from a Labour health minister saying there wasn't enough evidence in favour of plain packaging.

From The Guardian

Other calls use the widely-abused "permission to call" let-out clause in the TPS rules.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• advertise
• broadcast
• connect
• contact
• convey
• correspond
• disclose
• disseminate
• get across
• get through
• impart
• inform
• interact
• pass on
• publicize
• reach out
• relate
• reveal
• suggest
• tell