let on

verb

1. to allow (something, such as a secret) to be known; reveal

   he never let on that he was married

2. (tr) to cause or encourage to be believed; pretend

Idioms and Phrases

Reveal one's true feelings or a fact, allow something to be known, as in Don't let on that you met her before . This usage is probably a shortening of let it on someone . [c. 1700]

Pretend, as in He let on that he was very angry, but in fact he didn't care a bit . [First half of 1800s] Also see let in on .

Example Sentences

Each was a genius in his way and they were on friendlier terms than they let on.

From Los Angeles Times

But there have been clues that it was more of a problem than he had been letting on.

From BBC

BBC Scotland News counted 96 key boxes of the type typically used for holiday lets on, or just off, the Royal Mile earlier this month.

From BBC

The two schools also share a lot more in common than they let on.

From Los Angeles Times

But a true movie star can do both without letting on which one they enjoy more.

From Salon