← Back to Fala2Me

setting loose

[ˈsɛtɪŋ ˈluːs]
verb phrase
soltar; libertar
1. To release or free someone or something from confinement, restraint, or control
The zookeeper is setting loose the birds from their cage.
O tratador do zoológico está soltando os pássaros da gaiola.
2. To allow someone to act without restriction or supervision
They set loose the dogs to guard the property.
Eles soltaram os cães para guardar a propriedade.
3. To unleash or release something intangible such as emotions, creativity, or forces
The artist set loose her imagination on the canvas.
A artista soltou sua imaginação na tela.
NYC Slang
let loose; turn 'em loose
Synonyms
releasingfreeingliberatingunleashingletting goemancipating
Antonyms
confiningrestrainingimprisoningcapturingbindingrestricting

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
soltar; liberar
Most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
soltar na rua
Colloquial expression emphasizing freedom
São Paulo
soltar; desatar
Common in urban contexts
Portugal
soltar; libertar
More formal usage preferred

Related Idioms & Phrases

let loose
break free
cut loose
break the chains
run wild
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →