LET in Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 Steps and 12 Traditions

From the books ... Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book) and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (12 & 12)

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LET occurs 117 times (Definition from Merriam-Webster Online)

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... let alone digest. 12&12 p.113, Step Twelve

Then perhaps life, as it has a way of doing, suddenly hands us a great big lump that we can't begin to swallow, let alone digest.

... let alone meditation and prayer? 12&12 p.24, Step One

Who cares anything about a Higher Power, let alone meditation and prayer?

... let alone mete out any punishment. 12&12 p.173, Tradition Nine

Neither its General Service Conference, its Foundation Board,(*) nor the humblest group committee can issue a single directive to an A.A. member and make it stick, let alone mete out any punishment.

... let alone sin. 12&12 p.48, Step Four

Some will become quite annoyed if there is talk about immorality, let alone sin.

... let's always remember that meditation is in ... 12&12 p.101, Step Eleven

And let's always remember that meditation is in reality intensely practical.

... let any prejudice you may have against ... BB p.47, We Agnostics

Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you.

... let by-gones be by-gones. BB p.82, Into Action

It may be that both will decide that the way of good sense and loving kindness is to let by-gones be by-gones.

... let's consider briefly what we have been ... 12&12 p.107, Step Twelve

So let's consider briefly what we have been trying to do up to this point:

Let's dispose of what appears to be ... 12&12 p.69, Step Six

Let's dispose of what appears to be a hazardous open end we have left.

10.

... let each family play together or separately, ... BB p.132, The Family Afterward

So let each family play together or separately, as much as their circumstances warrant.

11.

Let's examine for a moment this idea ... 12&12 p.36, Step Three

Let's examine for a moment this idea of dependence at the level of everyday living.

12.

Let families realize, as they start their ... BB p.122, The Family Afterward

Let families realize, as they start their journey, that all will not be fair weather.

13.

... let's get back to that sunlit beach ... 12&12 p.100, Step Eleven

So let's get back to that sunlit beach -- or to the plains or to the mountains, if you prefer.

14.

... let go absolutely. BB p.58, How It Works

Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely.

15.

... let go, we ask God to help ... BB p.76, Into Action

If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.

16.

... let God be the final judge. BB p.70, How It Works

Counsel with persons is often desirable, but we let God be the final judge.

17.

... let God discipline us in the simple ... BB p.88, Into Action

So we let God discipline us in the simple way we have just outlined.

18.

... let God remove from us all the ... BB p.76, Into Action

Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable?

19.

... let God take us to better things, ... BB p.70, How It Works

If we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let God take us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson.

20.

... let greed masquerade as ambition? 12&12 p.66, Step Six

Isn't it true that we like to let greed masquerade as ambition?

21.

... let's have a closer look at what ... 12&12 p.43, Step Four

Before tackling the inventory problem in detail, let's have a closer look at what the basic problem is.

22.

Let's have an election!" 12&12 p.134, Tradition Two

Let's have an election!"

23.

Let's here take note of our improved ... 12&12 p.122, Step Twelve

Let's here take note of our improved outlook upon the problems of personal importance, power, ambition, and leadership.

24.

Let him ask you that question, if ... BB p.93, Working With Others

Let him ask you that question, if he will.

25.

Let him decide for himself. BB p.113, To Wives

Let him decide for himself.

26.

... let Him demonstrate, through us, what He ... BB p.68, How It Works

Instead we let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do.

27.

... let him do so. BB p.91, Working With Others

If he wishes to talk, let him do so.

28.

... let him do so. BB p.95, Working With Others

Sometimes a new man is anxious to proceed at once, and you may be tempted to let him do so.

29.

Let him draw his own conclusion. BB p.92, Working With Others

Let him draw his own conclusion.

30.

... let him drink for a day, and ... BB p.21, There Is A Solution

Yet let him drink for a day, and he frequently becomes disgustingly, and even dangerously anti-social.

31.

... let him feel it. BB p.126, The Family Afterward

They are all disappointed, and often let him feel it.

32.

... let him get away with it. BB p.108, To Wives

Don't let him get away with it.

33.

... let him go. BB p.147, To Employers

In case he does stumble, even once, you will have to decide whether to let him go.

34.

... let him go as far as he ... BB p.129, The Family Afterward

Even if he displays a certain amount of neglect and irresponsibility towards the family, it is well to let him go as far as he likes in helping other alcoholics.

35.

... let him have his head. BB p.129, The Family Afterward

Though the family does not fully agree with dad's spiritual activities, they should let him have his head.

36.

... let Him in? 12&12 p.34, Step Three

Therefore our problem now becomes just how and by what specific means shall we be able to let Him in?

37.

... let him know it. BB p.134, The Family Afterward

In time they will see that he is a new man and in their own way they will let him know it.

38.

... let him know that here was haven ... BB p.160, A Vision For You

The expression on the faces of the women, that indefinable something in the eyes of the men, the stimulating and electric atmosphere of the place, conspired to let him know that here was haven at last.

39.

Let him know you are available if ... BB p.96, Working With Others

Let him know you are available if he wishes to make a decision and tell his story, but do not insist upon it if he prefers to consult someone else.

40.

... let him rant! BB p.9, Bill's Story

But bless his heart, let him rant!

41.

... let him ruin your life and the ... BB p.108, To Wives

Is it right to let him ruin your life and the lives of your children?

42.

Let him see that you are not ... BB p.93, Working With Others

Let him see that you are not there to instruct him in religion.

43.

Let him see that you want to ... BB p.111, To Wives

Let him see that you want to be helpful rather than critical.

44.

... let him steer the conversation in any ... BB p.95, Working With Others

If you do stay, let him steer the conversation in any direction he likes.

45.

... let him tell you: BB p.136, To Employers

But let him tell you:

46.

Let him tell you about it: "I ... BB p.40, More About Alcoholism

Let him tell you about it: "I was much impressed with what you fellows said about alcoholism, and I frankly did not believe it would be possible for me to drink again.

47.

Let him try it by himself for ... 12&12 p.144, Tradition Three

Let him try it by himself for once; maybe he'll learn a lesson!"

48.

... let him try leaving liquor alone for ... BB p.34, More About Alcoholism

If anyone questions whether he has entered this dangerous area, let him try leaving liquor alone for one year.

49.

... let his family or a friend ask ... BB p.90, Working With Others

Then let his family or a friend ask him if he wants to quit for good and if he would go to any extreme to do so.

50.

... let in. 12&12 p.141, Tradition Three

A newcomer appeared at one of these groups, knocked on the door and asked to be let in.

51.

Let it be noted, too, that they ... 12&12 p.178, Tradition Ten

Let it be noted, too, that they were almost always concerned with ways to make A.A. more effective, how to do the most good for the most alcoholics.

52.

Let it go at that. BB p.95, Working With Others

Let it go at that.

53.

... let it shut down; it's far too ... 12&12 p.164, Tradition Seven

We can't let it shut down; it's far too vital.

54.

... Let Live BB p.135, The Family Afterward

Live and Let Live

55.

... let live is the rule. BB p.118, To Wives

Live and let live is the rule.

56.

... let's look at a really good prayer. 12&12 p.99, Step Eleven

First let's look at a really good prayer.

57.

Let's look at how practical it actually ... 12&12 p.35, Step Three

Let's look at how practical it actually is.

58.

Let's look at Steps Eight and Nine. BB p.76, Into Action

Let's look at Steps Eight and Nine.

59.

... let's look at the kind of setting ... 12&12 p.90, Step Ten

Before we ask what a spot-check inventory is, let's look at the kind of setting in which such an inventory can do its work.

60.

... "Let's look at the record." BB p.50, We Agnostics

As a celebrated American statesman put it, "Let's look at the record."

61.

Let's look first at the case of ... 12&12 p.25, Step Two

Let's look first at the case of the one who says he won't believe -- the belligerent one.

62.

... "Let's make the call," and extracted from ... BB p.179, Doctor Bob's Nightmare

Wishing to be polite, though I felt very badly, I said, "Let's make the call," and extracted from my wife a promise that we would not stay over fifteen minutes.

63.

... let me go. BB p.4, Bill's Story

But drinking caught up with me again and my generous friend had to let me go.

64.

... let me join your group? 12&12 p.142, Tradition Three

"But," he asked, "will you let me join your group?

65.

Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover ... BB p.99, Working With Others

Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover unless he has his family back.

66.

Let's not talk prudence while practicing evasion. 12&12 p.85, Step Nine

Let's not talk prudence while practicing evasion.

67.

Let's now go back to husband number ... BB p.110, To Wives

Let's now go back to husband number one.

68.

... let our friends do this for us. 12&12 p.181, Tradition Eleven

Obviously, A.A. had to be publicized somehow, so we resorted to the idea that it would be far better to let our friends do this for us.

69.

... let our friends recommend us. 12&12 p.192, Tradition Eleven (Long)

We feel it better to let our friends recommend us.

70.

... let our friends recommend us. BB p.565(567), Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition

We feel it better to let our friends recommend us.

71.

... let's ponder the need for a list ... 12&12 p.48, Step Four

Now let's ponder the need for a list of the more glaring personality defects all of us have in varying degrees.

72.

Let's remember that alcoholics are not the ... 12&12 p.78, Step Eight

Let's remember that alcoholics are not the only ones bedeviled by sick emotions.

73.

... let's see. 12&12 p.172, Tradition Nine

Well, let's see.

74.

Let's see how these two contrasting ideas ... 12&12 p.181, Tradition Eleven

Let's see how these two contrasting ideas -- attraction and promotion -- work out.

75.

... let someone outside the family present the ... BB p.113, To Wives

In some cases it may be better to let someone outside the family present the book.

76.

... let's take a universally recognized list of ... 12&12 p.48, Step Four

To avoid falling into confusion over the names these defects should be called, let's take a universally recognized list of major human failings -- the Seven Deadly Sins of pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth.

77.

Let's take all such donations in the ... 12&12 p.164, Tradition Seven

Let's take all such donations in the future.

78.

... let's take the guy full of faith, ... 12&12 p.31, Step Two

Now let's take the guy full of faith, but still reeking of alcohol.

79.

... let's take the money. 12&12 p.164, Tradition Seven

Yes, let's take the money.

80.

Let's talk about it later." BB p.118, To Wives

Let's talk about it later."

81.

Let the alcoholic continue his program day ... BB p.99, Working With Others

Let the alcoholic continue his program day by day.

82.

Let the doctor, if he will, tell ... BB p.91, Working With Others

Let the doctor, if he will, tell him he has something in the way of a solution.

83.

... let the solving of these problems become ... BB xxviii(xxvi), The Doctor's Opinion

If any feel that as psychiatrists directing a hospital for alcoholics we appear somewhat sentimental, let them stand with us a while on the firing line, see the tragedies, the despairing wives, the little children; let the solving of these problems become a part of their daily work, and even of their sleeping moments, and the most cynical will not wonder that we have accepted and encouraged this movement.

84.

... let their groups down with a bang. 12&12 p.185, Tradition Twelve

Sometimes, they got distressingly drunk and let their groups down with a bang.

85.

... let them know you have no quarrel ... BB p.147, To Employers

You might let them know you have no quarrel with the alcoholics of your organization.

86.

Let them praise his progress. BB p.127, The Family Afterward

Let them praise his progress.

87.

Let them remember that his drinking wrought ... BB p.127, The Family Afterward

Let them remember that his drinking wrought all kinds of damage that may take long to repair.

88.

... let them stand with us a while ... BB xxviii(xxvi), The Doctor's Opinion

89.

... let these far exceed their intended purpose. 12&12 p.65, Step Six

Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires, it isn't strange that we often let these far exceed their intended purpose.

90.

... let these people know we are sorry. BB p.78, Into Action

Arranging the best deal we can we let these people know we are sorry.

91.

... let's try to avoid harming third parties, ... 12&12 p.86, Step Nine

And even in those cases where such a matter must be discussed, let's try to avoid harming third parties, whoever they may be.

92.

... let's try to think it through a ... 12&12 p.66, Step Six

Some who feel they have done well may dispute this, so let's try to think it through a little further.

93.

Let's turn again to the deposed founder ... 12&12 p.135, Tradition Two

Let's turn again to the deposed founder and his friends.

94.

... let up on the spiritual program of ... BB p.85, Into Action

It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels.

95.

... let us act extemporaneously. 12&12 p.57, Step Five

It did let us act extemporaneously.

96.

Let us be reassured. BB p.76, Into Action

Let us be reassured.

97.

Let us become willing to partake and ... 12&12 p.100, Step Eleven

Let us become willing to partake and be strengthened and lifted up by the sheer spiritual power, beauty, and love of which these magnificent words are the carriers.

98.

... let us consider one that is a ... 12&12 p.99, Step Eleven

Here let us consider one that is a classic.

99.

... let us down, especially when our demands ... 12&12 p.115, Step Twelve

We had refused to learn the very hard lesson that overdependence upon people is unsuccessful because all people are fallible, and even the best of them will sometimes let us down, especially when our demands for attention become unreasonable.

100.

Let us have a look at some ... BB p.48, We Agnostics

Let us have a look at some of them.

101.

... let us lift our eyes to the ... 12&12 p.100, Step Eleven

Let us look now upon the sea and ponder what its mystery is; and let us lift our eyes to the far horizon, beyond which we shall seek all those wonders still unseen.

102.

Let us look now upon the sea ... 12&12 p.100, Step Eleven

Let us look now upon the sea and ponder what its mystery is; and let us lift our eyes to the far horizon, beyond which we shall seek all those wonders still unseen.

103.

Let us make haste to reassure you. BB p.46, We Agnostics

Let us make haste to reassure you.

104.

Let us reemphasize that this reluctance to ... 12&12 p.177, Tradition Ten

Let us reemphasize that this reluctance to fight one another or anybody else is not counted as some special virtue which makes us feel superior to other people.

105.

... let us relax and breathe deeply of ... 12&12 p.100, Step Eleven

As though lying upon a sunlit beach, let us relax and breathe deeply of the spiritual atmosphere with which the grace of this prayer surrounds us.

106.

... let us run their lives as though ... 12&12 p.115, Step Twelve

Where people had temporarily let us run their lives as though they were still children, we had felt very happy and secure ourselves.

107.

... let us say, the group's chairman. 12&12 p.111, Step Twelve

They make us, let us say, the group's chairman.

108.

... let us say -- to Middletown, U.S.A. 12&12 p.132, Tradition Two

John Doe, a good A.A., moves -- let us say -- to Middletown, U.S.A.

109.

Let us take another illustration. BB p.39, More About Alcoholism

Let us take another illustration.

110.

Let us tell you the rest of ... BB p.27, There Is A Solution

Let us tell you the rest of the conversation our friend had with his doctor.

111.

... let us think a little more closely. BB p.53, We Agnostics

That was natural, but let us think a little more closely.

112.

... let us think about the twenty-four hours ... BB p.86, Into Action

On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead.

113.

Let us think of some of the ... 12&12 p.81, Step Eight

Let us think of some of the subtler ones which can sometimes be quite as damaging.

114.

... let you down! BB p.181, Doctor Bob's Nightmare

Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!

115.

... let your friends know the nature of ... BB p.115, To Wives

While you need not discuss your husband at length, you can quietly let your friends know the nature of his illness.

116.

Let your friends know they are not ... BB p.102, Working With Others

Let your friends know they are not to change their habits on your account.

117.

... let your husband explain. BB p.115, To Wives

Whenever possible, let your husband explain.

Passages from the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are reprinted with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc. The A.A. Preamble, copyright © The A.A. Grapevine, Inc., is reprinted with permission. Permission to reprint does not in any way imply affiliation with or endorsement by either Alcoholics Anonymous or The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.

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