Let off
phrasal verb
To not punish someone who has done something wrong.
He was caught stealing, but his parents let him off.
Often appears as...
- let off scot-free
- let off lightly
phrasal verb
To allow (someone) to get out of a vehicle or out of a place.
The bus driver let us off at the supermarket.
Often appears as...
- let off at the station
- let you off here
phrasal verb
To cause an explosive device to explode.
They let off fireworks as part of the celebration.
Often appears as...
- let off fireworks
- let off a bomb
phrasal verb
To release gas, noise, or heat.
The machine lets off a lot of heat.
Often appears as...
- let off steam
- let off heat
phrasal verb
To not punish someone who has done something wrong.
He was caught stealing, but his parents let him off.
Often appears as...
- let off scot-free
- let off lightly
phrasal verb
To allow (someone) to get out of a vehicle or out of a place.
The bus driver let us off at the supermarket.
Often appears as...
- let off at the station
- let you off here
phrasal verb
To cause an explosive device to explode.
They let off fireworks as part of the celebration.
Often appears as...
- let off fireworks
- let off a bomb
phrasal verb
To release gas, noise, or heat.
The machine lets off a lot of heat.
Often appears as...
- let off steam
- let off heat
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Consequence Expectation
Use when someone avoids a punishment they might typically receive.
She broke the vase but was let off with a warning.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Most common in informal conversations and settings.
I can't believe he was let off for being late again!
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Criticism
May imply disagreement with the decision to not punish.
He's always let off too easily; it's not fair.
Pro Tip 1/3Consequence Expectation
Use when someone avoids a punishment they might typically receive.
She broke the vase but was let off with a warning.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Most common in informal conversations and settings.
I can't believe he was let off for being late again!
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Criticism
May imply disagreement with the decision to not punish.
He's always let off too easily; it's not fair.
Pro Tip 1/3Consequence Expectation
Use when someone avoids a punishment they might typically receive.
She broke the vase but was let off with a warning.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Most common in informal conversations and settings.
I can't believe he was let off for being late again!
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Criticism
May imply disagreement with the decision to not punish.
He's always let off too easily; it's not fair.
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