- A polite phrase used to signal the end of a conversation, typically on the phone or when you perceive the other person might be busy.
- It implies that you are releasing the other person from the obligation of continuing the conversation, often as a courtesy.
Explanation
Origin
- A polite social convention. Instead of abruptly saying I have to go (which focuses on the speaker's need), this phrase focuses on the perceived needs or time constraints of the listener (I will permit you to leave the conversation). It softens the ending.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Focused on speaker needing to leave (less polite if listener isn't busy):
- I should get going.
- I gotta run.
- I need to head out.
More Direct (can be abrupt):
- Okay, gotta go now. Bye.
- Alright, talk later. Bye.
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common and polite, especially on phone calls or in situations where you might be imposing on someone's time.
- Suitable for informal, semi-formal, and many formal contexts (like ending a call with a client or colleague).
- It's generally considered a courteous way to end an interaction.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might wonder why they need permission to go. Explain it's a polite framing, implying consideration for the other person's time, rather than literal permission. It can sometimes subtly imply the speaker feels *they* were the one keeping the other person.
Examples
- (On the phone): Well, it was great talking to you, but I know you're busy, so I'll let you go.
- Okay, I won't keep you any longer. I'll let you go.
- Thanks for the update! I'll let you go now. Talk soon!
Dialogue
Context
(Phone call)
Maria: ...so that's the plan for the weekend.
Sarah: Sounds great! Well, listen, I hear kids in the background, so I'll let you go.
Maria: Oh, yeah, things are getting a bit chaotic here! Thanks, Sarah. It was good talking to you.
Sarah: You too! Talk soon. Bye!
Maria: Bye! (Hangs up)
Social Media Examples
- (Less common in text/social media, more typical of real-time conversation, but might appear in chat summaries):
- Chat Summary: User A discussed the project details with User B. Ended call with 'Okay, I'll let you go, talk tomorrow!'
- Email ending (less common, but possible): Thanks again for your time on the call. As discussed, I'll let you go now but will follow up soon.
Response Patterns
- Okay, thanks! Talk to you later.
- Alright, nice chatting with you too. Bye!
- Okay, catch you later.
- No worries, thanks for calling!
- Sometimes the other person might say, Oh, no rush! if they aren't actually busy, but they usually accept the closing.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says I'll let you go:
- The other person typically accepts the end of the conversation with a polite closing remark and farewell.
- The conversation concludes, and if on the phone, they hang up.
After the response (Okay, thanks! Talk later):
- The person who initiated the closing often adds a final farewell (Bye!, Take care!) before ending the call or interaction.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used exclusively to politely end a conversation.
Intonation
- Usually said with a warm, polite, and slightly falling intonation.
- Emphasis often on LET and GO.
- I'll LET you GO.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood across all generations. Its politeness makes it enduring.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.