let it rip

Idioms

Also, let her rip. Go ahead, proceed unchecked. For example, Once you get the tractor started, let it rip. The use of her in the variant comes from a tradition of referring to vehicles as feminine. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He shared her essay online on Saturday, with the caption, "Life is short - let it rip."

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2025

So, in his desperation, Rubio began to let it rip.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2025

“It’s just more free flowing I guess is the best way for me to term to it. There’s rhythm to his swing versus ‘OK, I gotta get down and then I’m gonna let it rip.’

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2023

Just like my mother took a brave step and opened up about our family’s depression to me, I took her baton, and let it rip on the Clown Palace stage.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2023

Each had a joyous air of being in command, of being able to hold up the whole adventure at her will, or let it rip.

From The Tree of Heaven by Sinclair, May

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023