# let off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/let-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to allow someone to go without a punishment, or with a very small one, after they have done something wrong.

For teachers: to excuse someone from a penalty or to impose a lighter punishment than is standard. Transitive; frequently occurs with the preposition 'with' to denote the specific leniency shown.

## Examples

- The teacher let me off because I said sorry.
- Since it was his first time being late, his boss decided to let him off with just a verbal warning.
- Despite the severity of the breach, the regulatory body chose to let the firm off, citing their proactive cooperation during the investigation.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The police let off him." but "The police let him off." — If the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- This phrase often pairs with 'with' to name the light punishment received instead of a heavy one.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'get away with' to clarify that 'let off' requires the person to be caught first.

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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.