What phrase helped you determine the meaning of "release" mean in the quote?
"The Tin Woodman gave a sigh of satisfaction and lowered his axe, which he leaned against the tree. 'This is a great comfort,' he said. 'I have been holding that axe in the air ever since I rusted, and I'm glad to be able to put it down at last. Now, if you will oil the joints of my legs, I shall be all right once more.'"