lets off
Spares from punishment
Lets off means to release or allow to go free.
A judge lets someone off when dismissing charges or giving a lenient sentence.
A parent lets a child off when choosing not to punish.
The phrase also applies to releasing pressure or energy: a valve lets off steam, fireworks are let off at celebrations.
To let off a passenger is to drop them somewhere.
Official release from punishment
- absolveRelease from guilt
- exonerateClear of wrongdoing
- acquitFind not liable
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
overlook · condone · amnesty · clemency · mercy · grace · reprieve · forbearance
Release of substance outward
- freeWithout payment or restriction
- unburdenRemove a weight from
- detachTo separate from
- disengageBreak free from attachment
loosen · extricate · unfetter · unshackle · emancipate · liberate · relieve · rescue
Alert about danger
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- slap on wristMinor punishment, largely symbolic
- second chanceRenewed opportunity after failure
reduced sentence · probation · suspended sentence · community service · plea deal · dismissal · dropped charges · commutation
pardon
Official release from punishment
excuse · overlook · condone · amnesty · clemency · mercy · grace · reprieve · forbearance · indulgence
discharge
Release of substance outward
disengage · loosen · extricate · unfetter · unshackle · emancipate · liberate · relieve · rescue · escape
warning
Alert about danger
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- slap on wristMinor punishment, largely symbolic
second chance · reduced sentence · probation · suspended sentence · community service · plea deal · dismissal · dropped charges · commutation
firework
Explosive celebration device
- firecrackerSmall celebratory explosive device
- gunProjectile-launching weapon
- bombExplosive device or disaster
cannon · rocket · flare · shot · blast · discharge · detonate · ignite · trigger · cap gun
steam
Heated water's gaseous form
- pressureForce upon contact
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- angerIntense hostile emotion
tension · stress · emotion · outburst · decompress · unwind · rant · explode · erupt · release valve
lets offpunishes
Inflicts consequences for wrongdoing
penalizes · sentences · convicts · disciplines · throws the book at
lets offcontains
Holds within itself
bottles up · suppresses · builds up · retains · keeps in