hanging offense
Gallows-worthy transgression
A hanging offense is literally a crime punishable by death by hanging—historically, crimes like murder, treason, or horse theft.
Now almost always used figuratively and hyperbolically for any serious transgression or violation of rules: Leaving dirty dishes in the sink isn't a hanging offense.
The phrase typically appears in contexts where someone is arguing a mistake doesn't warrant severe punishment.
- last strawUltimate triggering incident
- point of no returnThreshold beyond which reversal impossible
- fatal flawRuinous character defect
- dealbreakerUnacceptable condition that ends talks
- criminal lawStatutes defining punishable offenses
felony · execution · firing squad · punishment · gallows · noose · lynching · sedition · sacrilege · death sentence · death penalty · betrayal · kiss of death · infamy · treason · penalty · crime · dishonor
hanging offensemisdemeanor
Lesser criminal charge
petty offense · peccadillo · parking ticket · venial sin · jaywalking
hang, hangs, hanged, hanger, hangers, hangings, overhang, overhanging, offend