slapped on the wrist
Got mild rebuke
To be slapped on the wrist is to receive a mild punishment or rebuke for wrongdoing—a token consequence that doesn't match the severity of the offense.
The phrase often carries criticism of leniency: The CEO was just slapped on the wrist for fraud while employees lost their jobs.
A slap on the wrist suggests the punisher isn't taking the matter seriously.
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- accountabilityObligation for one's actions
- penaltyPunishment for wrongdoing
slap on the hand · warning · stern warning · fine · plea deal · admonition · correction · chastisement · rebuke · sanction · corrective measures · moral standards · scolding · justice · white-collar crime · corporate greed · fairness · public outrage
slapped on the wristthrown the book at
Punished to fullest extent
hammered · crucified · capital punishment · maximum sentence · life imprisonment
slapped on the wristbrought to justice
Made legally accountable
justice served · faced the music · paid the price · comeuppance · just deserts