slapping on the wrist
Mild official rebuke
A slap on the wrist is a mild punishment or rebuke for something that might deserve harsher consequences.
The phrase suggests a token gesture rather than meaningful discipline: The company got a slap on the wrist for polluting the river—just a small fine.
Slapping on the wrist is the act of delivering such lenient treatment.
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- slap on the handMild corrective action
- lenityMerciful mildness in judgment
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- stern warningForceful cautionary statement
verbal warning · chastisement · reproof · rebuke · censure · penalty · correction · repercussions · sanction · consequence · mere formality · mercy · pardon · liability · indulgence · clemency · restitution · fallout
slapping on the wristthrowing the book at
Pursuing maximum legal consequences
maximum sentence · harsh punishment · harsh sentence · capital punishment · life imprisonment
slapping on the wristcomeuppance
Deserved punishment or rebuke
just deserts · facing the music · poetic justice · reckoning · day of reckoning