let go; give up; die
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to let go; to loosen one's grip; to release one's hold
Refers to the physical act of releasing one's grip on something. Often used in imperative or warning contexts.
Hold it steady, I'm letting go.
Whatever you do, don't let go, or you'll fall!
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He was gripping too tightly, and I couldn't make him let go.
verb
to wash one's hands of; to abandon completely; to give up responsibility for
informalOften used in the idiom 撒手不管 (to wash one's hands of something completely). Carries a negative connotation of irresponsibility.
He completely washed his hands of his children; it's truly irresponsible.
Giving up as soon as you encounter difficulties is not a good approach.
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The boss washed his hands of the company, and it quickly went bankrupt.
verb
to die; to depart from life (euphemism)
literaryUsed in formal or literary contexts as a euphemism for death, often in set phrases like 撒手人世 or 撒手人寰. Implies leaving the mortal world behind.
He departed from this world due to illness at the young age of fifty.
The elderly man peacefully passed away.
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That great master departed westward long ago.