let off
To not punish someone when they expected to be punished, or to set off a bomb or gun.
Meanings
To excuse someone from punishment, a duty, or an obligation.
"The judge let him off with a fine instead of sending him to prison."
To fire a weapon or detonate an explosive device.
"The children were letting off fireworks in the street."
To allow a passenger to get off a vehicle at a stop.
"The bus driver let off a group of schoolchildren at the park."
To release built-up energy, emotion, or pressure (often 'let off steam').
"After the stressful week, she needed to let off some steam at the gym."
The sense of excusing from punishment is very common in everyday and legal contexts. The sense of detonating or firing is used for fireworks, guns, and bombs. 'Let off with a warning' is a very common fixed phrase.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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