get off lightly
Avoid full punishment
To get off lightly is to receive less punishment, criticism, or hardship than expected or deserved.
Someone who faces serious charges but receives only probation got off lightly.
The phrase implies fortune or leniency: Considering the damage, we got off lightly with just a warning.
- get offDepart from transport
- come offDetach or succeed
- getObtain or become
- slap on the wristTrivially lenient penalty
- slap on wristMinor punishment, largely symbolic
get away with · beat the rap · off the hook · leniency · clemency · absolution · lucky break · mercy · acquittal · forgiveness · reprieve · indulgence · exemption · escape route · dodged a bullet · walk free · pardon · fortune
get off lightlypay dearly
Face harsh consequences
throw the book at · pay through the nose · suffer the consequences · get what's coming to one · pay the ultimate price
getting, light, lightly, lights, lighter, lightest, lighten, lightness, lightened