# let off

idiom

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

## Meaning

To forgive and not punish.

## Examples

- The teacher let him off with a warning.
- The police officer decided to let the driver off because it was his first time speeding.
- Although the evidence clearly pointed to his guilt, the judge chose to let him off, citing his lack of a prior criminal record.

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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.