A slap on the wrist
phrase
A mild punishment or warning.
The teenager stole a can of soda but only received a slap on the wrist.
Often appears as...
- get a slap on the wrist
- receive a slap on the wrist
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A light or symbolic punishment for a mistake or wrongdoing.
My brother broke a window and my parents gave him a slap on the wrist.
Often appears as...
- merit a slap on the wrist
- get away with a slap on the wrist
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A mild punishment or warning.
The teenager stole a can of soda but only received a slap on the wrist.
Often appears as...
- get a slap on the wrist
- receive a slap on the wrist
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A light or symbolic punishment for a mistake or wrongdoing.
My brother broke a window and my parents gave him a slap on the wrist.
Often appears as...
- merit a slap on the wrist
- get away with a slap on the wrist
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't involve actual physical contact; it describes a non-physical, light punishment.
Though cheating is serious, he got a slap on the wrist instead of expulsion.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Warning
It can mean a mere warning to signal disapproval without severe consequences.
She was late to work and received a slap on the wrist from her boss.
Pro Tip 3/3Expectation Violation
Used when an action deserves more punishment than what is given.
Many believed the corrupt official would face jail time but all he got was a slap on the wrist.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't involve actual physical contact; it describes a non-physical, light punishment.
Though cheating is serious, he got a slap on the wrist instead of expulsion.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Warning
It can mean a mere warning to signal disapproval without severe consequences.
She was late to work and received a slap on the wrist from her boss.
Pro Tip 3/3Expectation Violation
Used when an action deserves more punishment than what is given.
Many believed the corrupt official would face jail time but all he got was a slap on the wrist.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't involve actual physical contact; it describes a non-physical, light punishment.
Though cheating is serious, he got a slap on the wrist instead of expulsion.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Warning
It can mean a mere warning to signal disapproval without severe consequences.
She was late to work and received a slap on the wrist from her boss.
Pro Tip 3/3Expectation Violation
Used when an action deserves more punishment than what is given.
Many believed the corrupt official would face jail time but all he got was a slap on the wrist.
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