let fly
The phrase "let fly" is often used to describe both the physical act of launching a projectile and the figurative act of expressing strong emotions forcefully.
Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)To release or discharge something, especially a projectile, with great force.
Example
- The archer let fly an arrow towards the target.
- The children let fly their paper planes across the room.
B2Communication
(figurative, informal)To suddenly and forcefully express strong emotions, often anger, through words.
Example
- She let fly with a string of angry words.
- He let fly some harsh criticisms during the meeting.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "let fly":
let loosefly outlet ripfly offfling outcut loosetake flighttake winglet offfly byfly uponlet outfly the coopshoot offlet golash outsling outfly highfire awayhit outtake a flyerburst outcatch fliesfly lowbelt outfly a kiteblast outrun riotgo wildsling offfly the flaglet oneself gorun wildlet one's nuts hangthrow offspit feathersthrow downfire offgive vent toshoot off at the mouthblaze awaygo ballisticwild outgo offflake outsparks flymake free withlet go by the runput outthrow aboutblow offblast offloose offshoot one's loadfire outgob offjet offhave it away