let your guard down

USAGE SUMMARY

'let your guard down' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean "to relax your vigilance and be less guarded or defensive". For example, "After getting to know each other better, he finally let his guard down around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So never let your guard down".

The New York Times

You can never really let your guard down".

The New York Times - Sports

You let your guard down and you pay the price.

The Guardian - Sport

"You can't let your guard down," said Barnes.

The Guardian

"You couldn't let your guard down for one second," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

"You cannot let your guard down with these guys," she said of right-wing politicians.

The New Yorker

"You can't for a moment let your guard down, or something nasty is going to happen".

The New York Times - Arts

Even when you're starting to let your guard down, it keeps on coming up".

The New York Times

You can't let your guard down ever out there right now".

The New York Times - Sports

Never let your guard down, because everything you say and do counts.

Forbes

Never let your guard down, "Walking Dead" fans.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let your guard down" when you want to convey the idea of becoming less cautious or defensive in a situation or relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "let your guard down" in contexts where maintaining vigilance is crucial for safety or security. Overusing the phrase in professional settings can undermine a sense of seriousness or caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let your guard down" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a verb phrase. It describes the act of ceasing to be vigilant or defensive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English. The examples show its usage in various contexts, indicating its adaptability in conveying a shift in attitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let your guard down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of becoming less cautious or defensive. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. It is prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and is generally considered to have a neutral register. While its primary function is to describe a change in emotional or behavioral state, it's essential to avoid its usage in situations where vigilance is paramount. Alternatives like "lower your defenses" or "become less guarded" offer nuanced variations in meaning, providing options to suit specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be vulnerable

Focuses on the state of being susceptible to emotional or physical harm.

lower your defenses

This alternative is more direct and less idiomatic than the original phrase.

relax your vigilance

This is a slightly more formal way of expressing a similar idea.

become less guarded

This alternative focuses on the shift in attitude towards openness.

drop your pretense

Implies revealing one's true self after having maintained a false appearance.

open up emotionally

Specifically refers to sharing feelings and vulnerabilities.

expose yourself

This phrase can also suggest making oneself vulnerable to physical or emotional harm.

unbend

Implies becoming more relaxed and less formal in demeanor.

come clean

This suggests revealing hidden information or confessing to wrongdoing, not just relaxing.

lose composure

This means to lose self-control, often in a stressful situation.

FAQs

How can I use "let your guard down" in a sentence?

You can use "let your guard down" to describe a situation where someone becomes more relaxed and less cautious, such as "After years of working in a high-stress environment, he finally felt safe enough to "let his guard down"."

What does it mean to "let your guard down"?

To "let your guard down" means to stop being cautious or defensive, allowing yourself to be more open and vulnerable. It implies a sense of trust and comfort in a particular situation or with certain people.

Which is correct, "let your guard down" or "lower your guard"?

Both "let your guard down" and "lower your guard" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context.

When is it appropriate to "let your guard down"?

It's appropriate to "let your guard down" when you feel safe and comfortable in a situation, such as with close friends, family, or in a secure environment. However, it's important to assess the situation carefully before becoming less cautious.