slap on the wrist
Merely a scolding
A slap on the wrist is a mild punishment, one that falls far short of what might be deserved or expected.
The phrase implies that an offense warranted serious consequences but received only token discipline: The CEO got a slap on the wrist for fraud that cost investors millions.
Often used critically to suggest leniency toward the powerful.
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- impunityFreedom from consequences
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- admonitionMild verbal correction
warning · censure · mercy · penalty · punishment · white collar crime · get off easy · let off the hook · token · clemency · reproof · amnesty · pardon · absolution · scold · permissiveness · forgiveness · excuse
- closenessclose by, close contact, close-knit, next door, up close
slap on the wristdeath penalty
Legal execution for crimes
life sentence · maximum sentence · capital punishment · hard time · zero tolerance
slap on the wristcomeuppance
Deserved punishment or rebuke
reckoning · facing the music · paying the price · just desserts · just deserts