'Having let go' is when someone releases [someone] from the charges which he charged against him. But 'having set free' is when he persuades the person doing the charging to withdraw and cease bringing the charge. Thus Demosthenes and Isaeus [sc. use these word].1 But one can also use the terms in the following way: one 'releases' [someone] only from those charges which one brings; while one 'sets free' when one allows not a single dispute to remain between oneelf and the accused. This is also found in Demosthenes.2 And [there is] a proverb: "having let go the brace he chases the sheet". The proverb [is found] in Hyperides.3 In reference to those who ignore more important matters and waste time on trivialites. 'Braces' are ropes on a ship by which the yardarm is shifted.
And 'to let one's self go and play' is said of those who while away time at festivals and let themselves lapse into childishness; it [applies] especially to children who have gone to play.
Look under "to strike against".4