PhrasesHub

letting go

    Definitions

      • release emotional attachment
        Encouraging someone to move on from a past event or relationship, to release any emotional burden or attachment

      • surrender control
        Advising someone to stop trying to control a situation or person, and to allow things to unfold naturally

    Examples of letting go

    • The balloon floated away into the sky, reminding me that sometimes you have to let go and watch things go.

      In this example, "letting go" is used as a metaphor for releasing something into the universe without any control or expectation. It can be seen as a release of emotional attachment, responsibility, or possession.

    • I've been holding onto this grudge for too long, it's time to let go and move on.

      In this example, "letting go" is used figuratively to represent releasing negative emotions and vengeful thoughts, allowing for peace, forgiveness, and healing.

    • I can't keep living in the past; it's time to let go and embrace the future.

      In this example, "letting go" is a reference to letting go of past events, mistakes, and failures. It signifies moving away from the past and channeling energy into new beginnings.

    • She held his hand tightly, unwilling to let go, even as their relationship continues to deteriorate.

      In this example, "letting go" symbolizes surrendering control, admitting defeat, or accepting the inevitable. It may signify that some relationships cannot be saved, even with all of one's efforts, and that it's time to accept the end.

    • She finally let go of her grudge against her ex-husband and was able to move on with her life.

      Here, "letting go" means releasing anger, resentment or negative emotions towards someone or something. It signifies the act of accepting the past and choosing to forgive or forget instead of holding onto the hurt. In this example, the woman made a conscious decision to free herself from the pain and bitterness she felt towards her former spouse, which allowed her to start fresh and find happiness again.

    • The CEO asked the marketing team to let go of their old strategies and embrace a new approach for the company's rebranding.

      In this example, "letting go" implies relinquishing old ways or ideas in favor of something new. It could mean abandoning outdated tactics, methods, or beliefs that no longer serve a purpose and replacing them with more effective alternatives. It's about being receptive to change and being open-minded enough to adopt innovative ideas that can help achieve better results.

    • After months of stress and anxiety, he learned to let go of his perfectionism and accept that it's okay to make mistakes.

      This instance of "letting go" connotes relinquishing the need for flawlessness or control over everything. Sometimes, striving for excellence can lead to debilitating levels of pressure, which ultimately harms rather than helps. By learning to let go of the need for absolute perfection, this person can find peace of mind and improve their overall well-being.

    • The police urged the hostages to let go of their ties and move quietly towards the exit during the rescue operation.

      In this example, "letting go" refers to releasing oneself from constraints or bonds that might hinder progress or safety. In this specific instance, the hostages were encouraged to detach themselves from the items that could potentially restrict their movements or make noise during the escape. This could mean removing jewelry, bags, or other objects that could slow them down or attract unwanted attention. The instruction was to let go of these items in order to facilitate their successful evacuation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "letting go" is commonly used to convey the idea of releasing emotional attachment or surrendering control. It can be applied to various situations where someone needs to move on from the past or stop trying to control everything. By letting go, individuals can find peace and acceptance in the present moment.

    In relationships, letting go can mean accepting that some things are beyond our control and allowing the other person to make their own choices. It can also refer to releasing any grudges or negative emotions that are holding us back from moving forward. Overall, the concept of letting go promotes emotional healing and personal growth.

    Origin of "letting go"

    The origin of the idiom "letting go" can be traced back to the idea of physically releasing something from one's grasp. In a literal sense, letting go involves opening one's hand and allowing an object to fall freely. This simple action has been metaphorically extended to represent the act of releasing emotional attachments or surrendering control over a situation.

    The concept of letting go has deep roots in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, where it is often associated with the idea of mindfulness and acceptance. By letting go of attachments and expectations, individuals can find inner peace and live in harmony with the present moment. The idiom "letting go" captures this profound concept in a concise and relatable way, making it a widely used phrase in everyday language.