let one's hair down
Drop all pretenses
To let one's hair down is to relax and behave freely, dropping formality or restraint: After the conference ended, we let our hair down at the hotel bar.
The image is of releasing hair from a formal updo—literally becoming less buttoned-up.
The phrase often implies enjoying oneself after a period of propriety or stress.
Release accumulated tension
- chillCold sensation or relaxation
- loosen upBecome less tense
- decompressRelease stored pressure
- kick backRest without effort
de-stress · mellow out · ease up · take it easy · laid-back · carefree · casual · uninhibited
Gathering for celebration
- revelCelebrate with abandon
- danceRhythmic bodily movement
- socializeInteract with others
- have funExperience enjoyment actively
cut loose · go wild · live it up · enjoy oneself · festivity · merrymaking · carouse · frolic
unwind
Release accumulated tension
- chillCold sensation or relaxation
- loosen upBecome less tense
- decompressRelease stored pressure
kick back · de-stress · mellow out · ease up · take it easy · laid-back · carefree · casual · uninhibited · comfortable
party
Gathering for celebration
have fun · cut loose · go wild · live it up · enjoy oneself · festivity · merrymaking · carouse · frolic · shindig
let one's hair downkeep up appearances
Pretend all is well
hold back · stand on ceremony · keep one's guard up · keep a stiff upper lip · toe the line
lets, letting, ones, hair, hairs, hairy, hairiness, hairier, hairiest