let them have it
Unleash full force
Let them have it means to attack forcefully, whether physically or verbally.
You might let someone have it with your fists or with a blistering critique: When she found out he'd lied, she really let him have it.
The phrase can also mean to give freely or generously: We had extra supplies, so we let them have it all.
Context determines whether the giving is hostile or generous.
- unleashTo release from restraint
- let looseRemove restraints from
- go all outCommit completely, withhold nothing
- giveTo transfer possession
- allowGrant permission for
hold nothing back · retaliate · lash out · attack · bombard · rip into · permit · hand over · berate · relinquish · entrust · punish · bestow · lambaste · read the riot act · confront · offer · strike
- battle criesbattle cry, charge, hooah, banzai, oorah
let them have itshow mercy
Treat with leniency
hold back · pull punches · turn the other cheek · bite your tongue · coddle
letting, them, their, theirs, themselves, have, having, haves