slaps on the wrist
Mild disciplinary actions
Slaps on the wrist are punishments too mild to deter future misconduct.
The phrase suggests a token gesture rather than meaningful consequences: The corporation got away with a slap on the wrist for dumping toxic waste.
Often used critically when someone believes an offense warranted harsher treatment.
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- verbal warningSpoken notice of wrongdoing
- warningAlert about danger
- admonitionMild verbal correction
probation · plea deal · clemency · censure · soft on crime · pardon · mercy · tolerance · absolution · forgiveness · second chance · accountability · rebuke · indulgence · fine · penalty · chastisement · amnesty
slaps on the wristharsh punishment
maximum sentence · capital punishment · life imprisonment · hard time · zero tolerance
slaps on the wristcomeuppance
Deserved punishment or rebuke
facing the music · paying the price · no mercy · just deserts · reckoning