PhrasesHub

letting their hair down

    Definitions

      • relax and have fun
        To behave in a carefree and uninhibited manner, especially after a period of restraint or formality

      • be oneself
        To act naturally and without inhibition, showing one's true personality or feelings

    Examples of letting their hair down

    • After a long week of meetings and presentations, the coworkers decided to let their hair down and unwind at the local karaoke bar.

      This idiom means to relax and be less formal or serious. In this example, the coworkers have had a busy week, and now they want to have some fun and not worry about the seriousness of their jobs for a little while.

    • The strict teacher announced that they would be letting their hair down for the upcoming field trip, allowing the students to be more relaxed and informal.

      This example shows that the idiom can be used to indicate that something will be less strict or rigid. In this case, the field trip will not be as formal as a typical school day, allowing the students to have more fun and be less uptight.

    • After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom let their hair down during the reception, dancing and celebrating with their guests.

      This example demonstrates the idiom in the context of a wedding, where the couple may have been nervous or formal during the ceremony, but then loosen up and have fun during the reception.

    • The musician announced that they would be letting their hair down during their upcoming concert, promising wild and unforgettable performances.

      In this example, the musician is indicating that their concert will be more high-energy and lively than usual, allowing them to let go and have more fun on stage.

    • Sarah had been feeling quite uptight and reserved all week, but on Saturday night, she let her hair down and hit the dance floor with her friends. She danced without a care in the world, letting loose and enjoying herself to the fullest.

      When we say someone is letting their hair down, we mean they are relaxing and having fun, often after being quite serious or formal for a while. It's a phrase that's often used to describe people who are enjoying themselves by abandoning their usual inhibitions and behaving more freely. In this example, Sarah has been feeling quite serious and reserved all week, but on Saturday night, she decides to let loose and have some fun.

    • The annual company party was a chance for everyone to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. After a long year of hard work, it was the perfect opportunity to unwind and have some fun.

      Here, we can see the idiom used in a broader context. The company party provides an opportunity for everyone to let loose, relax and enjoy themselves after a long and busy year at work.

    • The wedding reception was in full swing as the guests let their hair down and celebrated the happy couple. The dance floor was filled with laughter and joy as people let their hair down and danced the night away.

      In this example, we can see how the idiom can be used in a social context. The wedding reception is a time for joyous celebration, and people let their hair down by dancing and socializing in a relaxed and carefree manner.

    • After months of hard work, the CEO called everyone together for a night out to let their hair down and celebrate the company's success. It was a chance for everyone to unwind, have fun and let loose in a relaxed and informal setting.

      Here, we can see the idiom being used in a business context. The CEO organizes a night out to thank everyone for their hard work and also gives them a chance to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. In this example, the setting is informal, and people can relax and have fun after a busy period of work.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "letting their hair down" is often used to describe someone relaxing and having fun, or being themselves without any inhibitions. It conveys the idea of releasing one's usual restraints and enjoying a carefree moment. It can also be used to encourage someone to be more relaxed and comfortable in a social setting.

    Origin of "letting their hair down"

    The origin of the idiom "letting their hair down" dates back to the Victorian era, when women were expected to keep their hair up and tightly secured in public as a sign of modesty and respectability. However, when they were in the privacy of their homes or among close friends, they would let their hair down and relax. This act of releasing their hair symbolized a shift from formality to relaxation and enjoyment. Over time, the idiom has evolved to represent letting go of inhibitions and enjoying oneself freely. Its origins in Victorian customs provide a historical context that enhances the meaning of the phrase.