let off the hook
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- forgiveCease to blame
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
- absolveRelease from guilt
- releaseTo let go
spare · acquit · reprieve · exonerate · escape · mercy · slack · guilt · punishment · dodge · wiggle · free · lenient · pass · overlook · condone · scot-free · bail
accountability
let off the hookhold accountable
Require someone to justify actions
punish · bring to justice · throw the book at · nail · make an example of