laufen lassen
Translation
to let run, to leave on, to set free, to let go
Examples
Ich lasse den Motor laufen.
I'm letting the engine run.
Er hat den Hund laufen lassen.
He let the dog run.
Lass die Dinge einfach laufen.
Just let things take their course.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to let (sth.) run / to leave (sth.) on Ich lasse den Motor laufen.
Similar Words
freilassen (to set free), gehen lassen (to let go), in Ruhe lassen (to leave in peace)
Etymology
Composed of 'laufen' (to run) and 'lassen' (to let/allow). Literally means 'to let run'.
Memory Tips
Imagine letting a dog off its leash to run freely. The phrase extends from this literal meaning to figurative ones like 'letting things slide'.