Dictionary

let it all hang out en · VERB

Meanings

1. (idiomatic) Be utterly unrestrained and uninhibited. ▸ Behave without shyness, timidity, or worry about the reactions of other people; being perfectly candid and without concealment of one's feelings or intentions in expressing oneself or revealing one's emotions.
   • Or more specifically, to bleep only part of a potentially offensive word in a broadcast-news story or to let it all hang out? July 29, 2015, Paul Farhi, Article: Wait wait - can you say that on air? There's a debate on cursing at NPR. Washington Post
   • For years now, Mad Men has tracked a tamped-down, repressed ’50s America becoming one where people let it all hang out. April 21, 2014, Julia Turner, Article: Mad Men Episode 2 review: Don and Sally's talk at the diner. Slate
2. (idiomatic) Be utterly unrestrained and uninhibited. ▸ Make the utmost effort at some endeavor, utilizing all of one's ability and resources, keeping nothing in reserve.
   • "Hope he has a couple of easy innings," said Turner. "Sit down and cool off, young man." "Let it all hang out now, Tits," said Whisenant "don't hold back out there." 1962, Jim Brosnan, Pennant Race chapter 2.page 88
   • Near-synonyms: go the extra mile, give 110%

Forms

Deriveds

all-hang-out · limited hangout

Synonyms

give one's all · let one's hair down · go big or go home · pull out all the stops · put one's heart and soul into it · go all out