1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To excuse someone from punishment, a duty, or an obligation.
"The judge let him off with a fine instead of sending him to prison."
separable
let off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To excuse someone from punishment or a duty, or to fire or detonate something.
In plain English
To not punish someone when they expected to be punished, or to set off a bomb or gun.
What does "let off" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To fire a weapon or detonate an explosive device.
"The children were letting off fireworks in the street."
separable
3 A2 neutral
To allow a passenger to get off a vehicle at a stop.
"The bus driver let off a group of schoolchildren at the park."
separable
4 B1 idiomatic informal
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To release or discharge something.
Actually means
To not punish someone when they expected to be punished, or to set off a bomb or gun.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "let off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
warning firework bomb gun steam punishment
How to conjugate "let off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
let off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lets off
he/she/it
Past simple
let off
yesterday
Past participle
let off
have + pp
-ing form
letting off
continuous
Hear "let off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "let off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "let off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
acquit discharge excuse fire forgive pardon
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