# get off lightly

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/get-off-lightly
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To end up with a mild punishment, or without serious harm.

## Examples

- He broke the window but got off lightly with just a warning.
- The driver was speeding, but since it was his first offense, he got off lightly with a small fine.
- Given the severity of the financial misconduct, the board felt the executive had gotten off lightly when he was merely asked to resign without further legal action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.