letting off
Releasing from obligation
Letting off combines let with off in several directions.
You let off steam—literally releasing pressure, or figuratively venting emotion.
A gun or firework is let off when discharged.
To let someone off is to excuse them from punishment or obligation: The judge let him off with a warning.
I'll let you off the hook this time.
- excusingForgiving a transgression
- acquittingDeclaring legally innocent
- exoneratingClearing of wrongdoing
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- amnestyGroup pardon from authorities
absolving · venting · exempting · catharsis · pardon · forgiving · sigh of relief · releasing · unburdening · pressure release · detonation · steam · dispensation · fireworks · emission · discharge · expressing · expulsion
letting offpunishing
Extremely taxing or severe
penalizing · prosecuting · sentencing · convicting · disciplining
letting offdetaining
Holding in custody
holding · keeping · restraining · confining · imprisoning
letting offcontaining
Holding within limits
suppressing · bottling up · restraining · keeping in · trapping