letting off easy
- lenientTolerant of faults
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
- forgiveCease to blame
- slackAbsence of tautness
excuse · reprieve · soft · break · second chance · slap on wrist · overlook · spare · acquit · gentle · tolerant · indulgent · compassion · leniency · dismiss · release · uncharged · walk free
severity of punishment or consequences
letting off easythrowing the book at
Pursuing maximum legal consequences
harsh punishment · zero tolerance · holding accountable · hammering · lowering the boom