let up on — to be less harsh, critical, or demanding toward someone

a previously angry boss puts down a stack of papers and places a gentle hand on a stressed employee's shoulder. The boss's facial expression softens from a frown to a concerned, understanding look. The employee, who was hunched over with worry, begins to relax and look up with relief. Before this moment, the employee appeared overwhelmed with work and fear, but now shows visible comfort. Other coworkers in the background notice the change and smile approvingly at the boss's gentler approach. someone being less harsh, critical, or demanding toward another person