The idiom "let it go" means to stop worrying or thinking about something that is bothering you, significantly if you cannot change or control it. It also means forgiving someone for something they did wrong or stopping being angry or resentful.

In short:

• It means to stop worrying about things you can't control.
• It implies that someone should move on and not dwell in the past.

What Does "Let It Go" Mean?

"Let it go" means to stop letting something bother you or occupy your mind, especially if you have no power or influence over it. It also means to forgive someone who hurt you or to stop holding a grudge against them. The expression suggests that you should continue your life and not focus on the past.

Some related expressions that have similar meanings to "let it go" are:

• Let loose
• Let off steam
• Let sleeping dogs lie
• Let bygones be bygones

Where Does "Let It Go" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "let it go" is not very clear, but it may have been derived from an older expression," let go and let God." This expression means to trust in God's plan and surrender your worries and problems to Him. Christians often use it to cope with difficult situations and find peace and comfort.

Historical Example

The earliest recorded use of the expression "let go and let God" dates back to the 19th century. For example, in an 1874 book titled The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith, she wrote:

"There are many Christians who have never learned this secret of entire abandonment; who never have said from their hearts, "Lord I am altogether thine; I will trust thee wholly; I will let go my hold upon everything else but thee; I will let go even my hold upon myself; I will let go and let God.”

10 Examples of "Let It Go" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

• Yaas! She let it go and let loose on the dance floor.
• Get a life! You should let it go and enjoy yourself at the party.
• She was so angry that she couldn't let it go and lashed back at him.
• I'm glad to hear that he let it go and let God take care of his problems.
• Oh, snap. He couldn't let it go and kept arguing with his boss until he got fired.
• For God's sake, you must let it go and stop blaming yourself for what happened.
• He finally let it go and quit his stressful job to pursue his passion for writing a book.
• She let it go and forgave her husband for cheating on her. She's one with good souls.
• They agreed to let it go and accept their differences. Now they are happy with each other.
• I know you're upset about the losing streak, but you must let it go and focus on the next one.

Examples of "Let It Go" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of its appearance in pop culture:

• In 1994, James Bay released a song titled "Let It Go," about breaking up with someone and moving on. The song lyrics are: "All this delusion in our heads is gonna bring us to our knees, so come on, let it go. Just let it be. Why don't you be you, and I'll be me."
• In 2006, Keyshia Cole released a song titled "Let It Go," about letting go of a bad relationship and finding someone better. The song features Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim.
• In 2012, T.D. Jakes published a book titled "Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven." It's about the importance of forgiveness in healing and happiness.
• Another famous example of the phrase "let it go" is from the 2013 Disney movie Frozen. The movie features a song titled "Let It Go," sung by Elsa, the main character with magical powers to create ice and snow. In the song, she expresses her feelings of freedom and empowerment after escaping from her kingdom, where she was feared and isolated.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Let It Go"

Here are some synonyms for "let it go" that you can use in your speech or writing:

• Drop
• Forget
• Give up
• Release
• Forgive
• Move on
• Let go of
• Get over
• Cut loose
• Put behind

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Let It Go"

Here are some common questions that people may have about this idiom, along with their answers:

• What does "let it go" mean?

The idiom "let it go" means to stop worrying or thinking about something that is bothering you, significantly if you cannot change or control it. It also means forgiving someone for something they did wrong or stopping being angry or resentful.

• What is the origin of the term "let it go"?

The origin of the idiom "let it go" is not very clear, but it may have been derived from an older expression," let go and let God." This expression means to trust in God's plan and surrender your worries and problems to Him.

• What are some synonyms for "let it go"?

Some synonyms for "let it go" are release, drop, forget, forgive, move on, get over, put behind, give up, let go of, and cut loose. These synonyms have similar meanings to "let it go," but they may have different nuances or connotations depending on the context.

• What is the difference between "let it go" and "let go"?
  

The difference between "let it go" and "let go" is that "let it go" usually refers to something specific that you should stop worrying or thinking about, while "let go" usually refers to a more general attitude of releasing your worries or problems.

• How do you use "let it go" in a sentence?

You can use "let it go" in a sentence by following it with an object representing what you should stop worrying or thinking about or who you should forgive. When the context is clear, you can also use “let it go” without a thing.

• Is "let it go" rude?

The idiom "let it go" is not rude, but it can sound rude depending on how and to whom you say it. It can be helpful advice or a gentle reminder if you say it in a calm and friendly tone. But if you say it harshly or sarcastically, it can be a dismissive or insensitive comment. Also, if you say it to someone hurt or emotional about something, it can seem like you are minimizing their feelings or not caring about their situation.

• What does the song "Let It Go" from Frozen mean?

The song means that Elsa is letting go of her fears, doubts, and insecurities and embracing her true self and abilities. The song also implies that she is letting go of the expectations and opinions of others and living according to her own choices and desires.

• What does the phrase "let go and let God" tell?

The phrase means that you should stop trying to control everything or fix everything by yourself, and instead rely on God's wisdom and power to guide you and help you.

• How do you know when to "let it go"?

There is no definitive answer to when to "let it go," as different situations and people may require different approaches and timings. However, some signs that may indicate that you should "let it go" are when it affects your health or well-being. In addition, when it is beyond your control or influence. Lastly, when it is not worth your time or energy.

• How do you say "let it go" in other languages?

Spanish: Déjalo ir or Suéltalo
French: Lâche prise or Laisse tomber
German: Lass es los or Gib es auf

Final Thoughts About "Let It Go"

The idiom "let it go" is a valuable and versatile phrase that can help you deal with various situations and emotions in your life.

Key points to remember about the idiom:

• It means to stop worrying or thinking about something that is bothering you.
• It can also mean forgiving someone for something they did wrong.
• It may have originated from an older expression, "Let go and let God."
• It has been used in many songs, movies, books, and other forms of media.
• It has some synonyms, antonyms, and related expressions.