hanging offence
Execution-worthy transgression historically
A hanging offence is a crime punishable by death, specifically by hanging.
The phrase now appears almost exclusively in hyperbolic or humorous contexts to describe minor transgressions treated as unforgivable: Leaving the milk out isn't a hanging offence.
Also spelled hanging offense.
- nooseLoop that constricts
- crimePunishable illegal act
- felonySerious criminal offense
- punishmentPenalty for an offense
- treasonBetraying one's nation
blasphemy · highway robbery · witchcraft · gallows · execution · heresy · matter of life and death · espionage · drop · let-off · death penalty · capital crime · high crimes · murder · arson · piracy · sabotage · retribution
hanging offencemisdemeanor
Lesser criminal charge
petty offense · peccadillo · venial sin · technical violation · parking ticket
hanging offencenothing to write home about
Unworthy of special mention
storm in a teacup · tempest in a teapot · no big deal · small potatoes · white lie
hanging, offence, hang, hangs, hanged, hanger, hangers, hangings, overhang