let down

What it means

To disappoint someone by failing to do what you promised or what they expected. It can also literally mean to lower something, or to lengthen a piece of clothing.

Examples

• I'm sorry I let you down; I promise it won't happen again.
• She felt let down when none of her friends remembered her birthday.
• Don't let me down this time; I really need your help with the project.
• He let down the rope so his friend could climb up to the window.

Where it comes from

Separable: 'let him down' or 'let down the team'. The related noun 'letdown' means a disappointing experience and is common in everyday speech.

Related phrasal verbs