ENGLISH
REFERENCE

let off

idiom
Meaning

To forgive and not punish.


Examples
SIMPLE

The teacher let him off with a warning.

CONTEXTUAL

The police officer decided to let the driver off because it was his first time speeding.

COMPLEX

Although the evidence clearly pointed to his guilt, the judge chose to let him off, citing his lack of a prior criminal record.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    buy to let

    To purchase a property as in investment, and to let it out for rental instead of living in it

  2. 02

    don't let the door hit you on the way out

    Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.

  3. 03

    let a sleeping dog lie

    Alternative form of let sleeping dogs lie.

  4. 04

    let bygones be bygones

    To disregard or ignore a past difficulty in a relationship or an offence (when dealing with another individual).

  5. 05

    let crazy stick its dick in you

    To have sex with a male deemed insane.

  6. 06

    let down

    To disappoint; to betray or fail somebody.

  7. 07

    let drive

    To aim a blow; to strike with force; to attack; to shoot (an arrow or firearm).

  8. 08

    let fly

    To strike or release a projectile with great force.

Last updated April 17, 2026