let it all hang out

phrase

: to reveal one's true feelings : act without dissimulation

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of let it all hang out was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Let it all hang out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20it%20all%20hang%20out. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster